Progressive leaders weigh candidates to lead Sanders movement in 2028
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 4
Progressive leaders weigh candidates to lead Sanders movement in 2028
5 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 4
Many activists and groups see Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna as leading contenders, while Our Revolution says its 8 million members remain open-minded.
Interviews with more than a dozen liberal groups found Ocasio-Cortez viewed as the strongest potential heir, though Khanna is building support with Sanders veterans and foreign-policy credentials.
The contest could shape whether the Democratic left unifies or splinters, with other names including JB Pritzker, Chris Murphy and Zohran Mamdani also drawing interest.
Will the post-Sanders movement unite behind one leader, or will its powerful coalition splinter among several populist voices?
The Progressive Race for 2028: Ocasio-Cortez, Khanna, and the Fight to Succeed Bernie Sanders
Overview
As Senator Bernie Sanders steps back from presidential ambitions due to age, the progressive movement is urgently searching for a new leader. The field for the 2028 Democratic nomination is wide open, with many Democrats already positioning themselves and strategists anticipating surprise candidates. This transition marks a pivotal moment for progressives, as the movement Sanders built over a decade is ready for fresh leadership. The window for a new figure to emerge will not stay open forever, making the current jockeying for position especially intense and setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive primary season.