Politics

Brutal Poll Deflates Tim Walz’s Potential 2028 Run For President

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

A new poll has delivered a punishing reality check to Democrat Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whose national profile took a major hit after being named by just 3% of Democrats as the leader of their party—a gut punch that could derail any dreams of a 2028 presidential run.

The Economist/YouGov paints a dire picture for Walz, who has attempted to raise his national image through social media and by leaning into progressive talking points. But despite these efforts, he finds himself trailing far behind figures like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

While Walz has tried to spotlight local frustrations in recent weeks on a tour of the Midwest, the national Democratic base appears to be tuning him out.

According to the poll, former Vice President Kamala Harris dominates the early 2028 conversation, with 58% of Democrats saying they would consider voting for her in a primary. By comparison, Walz lands at just 38%, tied with Ocasio-Cortez and just barely ahead of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

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Worse yet, when asked who their ideal nominee would be in 2028, only a microscopic number—less than 4%—chose Walz. That places him behind figures like Cory Booker (D-NJ), Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), and even Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

But the damage doesn’t stop at personal popularity. The broader numbers suggest that Democrats as a party are losing the narrative. Only 23% of Americans view the Democratic Party as “united,” while 52% believe Republicans are more cohesive. Net favorability of Democrats in Congress sits at a shocking -29, compared to -13 for Republicans.

via YouGov

The contrast is especially sharp among base voters: 76% of Republicans say they are satisfied or enthusiastic about their party’s politicians, compared to just 53% of Democrats who feel the same way about theirs. That kind of energy gap is politically lethal.

Since the 2024 election, Walz has remained active on the national stage, holding rallies and town halls across the country in 2025 to push Democratic messaging and counter the new Trump administration.

Last month, Walz spoke in Des Moines, Iowa. There, he took aim at alleged GOP efforts to scale back education and healthcare programs, voicing strong support for Medicare and Medicaid protections.

Days later, he traveled to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to stump for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford. At the rally, Walz criticized federal budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, warning voters about the consequences for working families.

His continued presence on the road suggests he is positioning himself as a leading voice in the Democratic opposition during Trump’s second term.

Republicans, meanwhile, are already rallying around new national figures. JD Vance leads the pack among potential GOP candidates for 2028, with 69% of Republicans saying they would consider voting for him. That’s more than the next two names—Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr.—combined.

Walz’s allies have attempted to downplay the poll’s implications, but the numbers speak for themselves. With only 3% of Democrats seeing him as their party’s standard-bearer, Walz now faces a steep uphill battle to remain relevant in a party already engulfed in infighting and lacking clear direction.