Former Vice President Kamala Harris is fast turning into dead weight among Democrats eyeing a 2028 presidential bid.
While leading in most polls because she is the most recognizable name among liberals, she is also sinking like a rock, opening the door to credible challengers, notably California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
In the latest McLaughlin & Associates monthly national survey, Harris remained on top, but she has lost steam. She is the pick of 25% of Democrats, a big drop from the 36% who chose her in McLaughlin’s February poll.
She is followed by Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom, both tied at 9%, and Buttigieg at 8%.
On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance continues to sit on top, at 31%. But that is down from his 43% of support in April.
First son Donald Trump Jr. continues to sit in second, at 19%, just off his high of 21% in January. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis remains in third, at 8%.
The survey was done as potential Democratic candidates started to stir in preparation for a 2028 drive. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Newsom visited South Carolina this month in advance of that state’s important primary.
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It also came after Tesla chief Elon Musk promised to fund the creation of a third party to challenge Republicans and Democrats.
However in a new Rasmussen Reports survey shared with Secrets, interest appears low. Just 27% think Musk’s goal is a good idea. And nearly half, 48%, think it’s a bad idea.