Kamala Harris takes commanding lead in first 2028 Democratic polling

Kamala Harris has surged to 50 per cent support in a new 2028 Democratic primary poll, reinforcing her position as an early frontrunner should she enter the race, according to a Harvard/Harris survey.

The poll, conducted among 2,745 registered voters between 23 and 26 April, shows Harris rising from 41 per cent in March and 39 per cent earlier this year, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

California Governor Gavin Newsom trails at 22 per cent, followed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at 9 per cent, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8 per cent, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at 6 per cent. Five per cent backed other candidates.

Robert Y. Shapiro, professor of political science at Columbia University, said: “These results, should they continue, can help Harris in getting campaign contributions, and this becomes a further indication of Harris' strength as a candidate," he said. "But, again, other potential candidates may be getting increased approval among Democratic voters. Her advantage for now is name recognition.”

Michael Bailey, professor of government at Georgetown University, cautioned that her lead may reflect familiarity rather than electoral strength. “She has a fairly low probability of being the nominee in the betting markets, which [in theory, at least] try to think through how strong her support would really be in a competitive primary,” he said.

Despite the strong polling, prediction markets still place her chances below 10 per cent, with Kalshi at 7.8 per cent and Polymarket around 8 per cent.

Harris has been testing her political message in key states, including Michigan and South Carolina, both important early battlegrounds in Democratic primaries. She has also drawn attention after suggesting she is considering another presidential bid.

At a recent event, Harris said: “I might. I am thinking about it,” she told the Reverend Al Sharpton this month after he asked whether she planned to run for president in 2028.

“I served for four years, being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” Harris said. “I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office and the Situation Room. I know what the job is, and I know what it requires.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev