Ted Cruz Predicts 2028 Democratic Presidential Frontrunners

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz has identified New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom as the leading contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. This prediction was made during a recent episode of his Verdict podcast, where Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson analyzed clips from the Munich Security Conference featuring potential Democratic hopefuls. Cruz's rationale centers on the belief that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is ill-prepared on national security issues, which he argues will be a significant topic in the upcoming election cycle.

Newsweek

Cruz stated, “I actually think AOC is one of two frontrunners for the Democrat nomination in 2028. I think it is Gavin Newsom and AOC. Newsom probably is marginally ahead right now.” He also suggested that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer might encourage Ocasio-Cortez to pursue the presidency to prevent a primary challenge against him.

Newsweek

Recent polling data indicates a competitive field among Democratic candidates. According to RaceToTheWhiteHouse.com, former Vice President Kamala Harris leads with 27.5 percent, followed by Newsom at 22.7 percent, Ocasio-Cortez at 9 percent, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 8.7 percent. Prediction market Kalshi gives Newsom a 31 percent chance of securing the Democratic nomination, while Ocasio-Cortez is at 12 percent.

Newsweek

California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed interest in the 2028 race, stating, "I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that's the question for the American people." In contrast, Ocasio-Cortez has been more evasive regarding her intentions, remarking on a poll that suggested she would defeat potential Republican nominee Vice President JD Vance: "Listen, these polls, like three years out, are, you know, they are what they are. But let the record show: I would stomp him. I would stomp him!"

Newsweek

Ocasio-Cortez has not officially declared her candidacy but has not ruled it out either, leading to ongoing speculation about her political ambitions. Newsom has acknowledged the possibility of a presidential run, admitting he would be “lying” if he denied considering it after the 2026 midterms, although he later downplayed his intentions.

Newsweek

Cruz's predictions and framing of Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom as frontrunners have sparked discussions about the Democratic Party's readiness for national security debates. Critics may argue that such assessments could be politically motivated, aimed at undermining the progressive wing of the party as the 2028 election approaches.

Newsweek

• “I actually think AOC is one of two frontrunners for the Democrat nomination in 2028. I think it is Gavin Newsom and AOC. Newsom probably is marginally ahead right now.” — Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator

Newsweek