AOC Tops 2028 Democratic Poll at 26% as Rubio Leads Republicans With 45.4%
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 12
AOC Tops 2028 Democratic Poll at 26% as Rubio Leads Republicans With 45.4%
8 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 12
AtlasIntel’s latest 2028 primary poll puts Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez first among Democrats at 26%—the first time she has led the field—while Marco Rubio leads Republicans with 45.4%.
Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom rank second and third on the Democratic side, while JD Vance and Ron DeSantis trail Rubio by a wide margin among Republican primary voters.
Donald Trump still has not picked a preferred 2028 successor, saying on May 11 that Rubio and Vance would make a “perfect ticket” but stopping short of an endorsement.
Ocasio-Cortez has not said whether she will run, telling David Axelrod earlier this month that her ambition is to “change this country” rather than seek a title or seat.
Beyond a presidential endorsement, what qualities will voters look for when evaluating a 'perfect ticket' for the future?
Can a candidate focused on ambitious policy goals win over an electorate that may prioritize electability and moderation?
How do voter perceptions of authenticity and past actions shape a candidate's viability in the 2028 election cycle?
AOC and Rubio Top 2028 Primary Polls: Early Leads Highlight Party Tensions and Voter Dissatisfaction
Overview
A new AtlasIntel poll from May 2026 offers an early look at the 2028 presidential primaries, showing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading among Democrats and Marco Rubio and JD Vance ahead for Republicans. Ocasio-Cortez’s strong polling highlights her growing support, but prediction markets remain skeptical, giving her only an 8% chance and favoring other candidates like Newsom and Harris. This contrast between voter sentiment and market expectations reveals a divided outlook on the likely nominees. The poll provides a snapshot of the evolving race, with key figures gaining early traction and setting the stage for a dynamic primary season.