Full Breakdown
Harris Expands Lead in 2028 Democratic Primary Poll
8/10/2026, 11:49:08 PM
Harris Gains Ground, AOC Support Declines
A recent national telephone and online survey of likely Democratic primary voters shows former Vice President Kamala Harris now leads the field for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. The poll indicates that 37 % of respondents would choose Harris if the primary were held today, up from 34 % in May. In the same survey, support for New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fell, signaling a weakening of her standing among likely primary voters.
Survey Methodology and Results
The survey was fielded from August 2-4, 2026 by Rasmussen Reports, with data collection performed by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. It sampled 1,222 likely Democratic primary voters and reports a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points at a 95 % confidence level. The poll asked respondents which candidate they would support in a hypothetical 2028 primary, producing the headline figures for Harris and Ocasio-Cortez and a broader view of the Democratic field.
Shifts Within the Democratic Contest
The increase in Harris’s support coincides with a measurable drop in backing for Ocasio-Cortez, though the poll does not provide detailed numbers for other candidates. The change from May to the August survey suggests a modest but notable shift in voter preferences within the Democratic electorate over a few months.
Potential Impact on the 2028 Race
If the trends reflected in the August 2026 poll persist, Harris’s expanding lead could shape fundraising dynamics, campaign strategy, and media coverage as the 2028 primary season approaches. Conversely, the decline in Ocasio-Cortez’s support may prompt her campaign to reassess outreach efforts and policy messaging to regain momentum. Analysts note that early polling can influence donor behavior and candidate positioning, though actual primary outcomes will depend on a range of factors beyond this single survey.
