Kamala Harris leads 2028 Democratic primary polls as socialist wing grows in influence

Kamala Harris holds a double-digit lead in most 2028 Democratic presidential primary polls since May, according to the RealClearPolitics average, even as socialist-aligned candidates continue to win Democratic primaries and reshape the party's left flank. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, once seen as a potential frontrunner, has cooled in the polls.

The Washington Examiner's coverage framed Harris's lead largely as a product of name recognition from her 2024 presidential run and her term as vice president, while describing the socialist wave as the dominant source of energy within the Democratic Party. The outlet noted that Harris lost the 2024 general election and received approximately 6.8 million fewer votes than President Biden did in 2020.

Harris has taken steps to engage the party's left wing. She contacted Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor frequently described as a top socialist organizer, and Mamdani confirmed the call took place. The Examiner noted that Harris's "no bad ideas" slogan from earlier in 2025 signals a willingness to adapt her positioning.