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Power Rankings: 2028 Democrats
Who's up and who's down - an exclusive report
Andrew Springer
March 23, 2025
For the first time in nearly two decades, the field for the Democratic nomination is wide open. And while the 2028 election may seem like a long way away (1,324 days to be exact), the race to become the nominee is already well underway.
And whoever becomes the Democratic nominee will define just how—and if—America fights back against the next stage of Donald Trump’s fascism.
As this fight gears up, we’re launching a new quarterly feature: Our 2028 Presidential Election Power Rankings.
HOW WE RANKED THEM: We’ve spoken to dozens of Washington insiders—all off the record—to put together the report below.
It’s not entirely about polling either—it’s who has momentum, who’s getting press (good or bad), and who’s making viral moments.
Editor’s note: This is a free preview of an exclusive report available in full to NOTICE News Insiders. Become a member to get the full report.
15. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia
 | The good Reverend has somewhat of a national profile, but—unlike others on this list—he has laid low since last November. Warnock has survived two brutal Senate races in Georgia with his integrity intact while his oratory is unmatched. If he decides to run, he’d be formidable. But that’s still a big if. |
14. Rahm Emanuel, Former Ambassador
 | The former White House Chief of Staff, Mayor of Chicago, and Ambassador to Japan made waves earlier this month by strategically leaking to Politico that he wants to run for president. Except—that idea seemed to go over like a lead balloon. Rahm is a corporate Democrat with lots of money and deep party connections. Don’t count him out just yet. |
13. Stephen A. Smith, Broadcaster
 | The massively popular—but also controversial—sports broadcaster and political commenter has stirred up speculation in recent weeks about a possible run for the nomination. He supported Kamala and has identified as a never Trumper, but says he’s a registered independent. He’s highly telegenic. Do the Dems need their own non-politician to become their standard bearer? (Someone else further up on the list may better suit the bill…) |
12. Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
 | Wes Moore’s resume reads like it was engineered in a lab: army combat veteran, CEO of a major nonprofit, bestselling author, and now Maryland’s first Black governor. He’s only been in office since 2023, but he’s already drawing comparisons to Obama—both in oratorical style and in the “hope and change” lane. If he stays popular and builds national ties over the next few years, don’t be surprised if he’s a top-tier contender—or on the shortlist for VP. |
11. Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
 | Beshear might be the most quietly impressive Democrat in the country: a pro-choice, pro-labor governor who just won re-election by a comfortable margin in deep-red Kentucky. But after making the short list for Kamala’s VP last summer, the governor has kept a low national profile (again, compared to some others on this list). |
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About the author: Andrew Springer is a journalist, producer and co-founder of NOTICE News. He’s formerly worked for NBC News, ABC News, and Mashable, and full disclosure, worked on Bernie Sanders’ first campaign for president in 2015.
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