It might be early, but the race for the White House in 2028 has already begun. That race is heating up over in the Democratic camp, where Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are currently experiencing opposite fortunes.
While the odds of Newsom securing the Presidency decline, AOC's are on the rise. AOC, 36, has pulled ahead of Newsom in the Democratic Nominee market for the first time this year. She is now priced at 19% with Polymarket, two points up on the California Governor. Earlier this month, Newsom had a four point lead.
As the two switch positions, there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Newsom has seen a steady decline in support over the past few months. Most recently, his popularity took a hit as a former aide Ruby Rippey revealed fresh details about an affair she had with the Governor in an article for Vanity Fair.
“she is still deciding whether to run for the White House, the Senate, or neither”
Meanwhile, AOC isn't even sure if she wants to run for the Presidency. She admits that she is still deciding whether to run for the White House, the Senate, or neither. But that hasn't stopped her from securing solid results in Democratic polling, regularly placing near or ahead of Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg.
Additionally, AOC has distanced herself partially from former woke policies enacted in 2020. Speaking on ABC's This Week, she quoted NYC Councilman Chi Ossé's line: "Woke 1 was crazy." She said "the discussions that were had in that time were quite fruitful," but argued that the rhetoric would not be used today.
Some commentators, including Jessica Tarlov of Fox News, have claimed that AOC is now shifting her position away from leftist views. She referred to her as a "moderate Dem." Meanwhile, conservative opinion outlet PJ Media referred to it as a "woke reboot," claiming she is trying to gain wider support by abandoning unpopular ideas.
AOC is currently priced at around 10% with Kalshi to win the 2028 Presidential election overall, 13% with Polymarket. She is second favorite behind JD Vance, who leads with around 19%.