Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is leading Vice President JD Vance by five points in a hypothetical 2028 presidential election matchup, according to a new Emerson College Polling survey. The poll of 1,000 likely voters nationwide, conducted August 16-17, shows Ossoff with 49 percent support compared to Vance's 44 percent. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 3 percent.
Despite these numbers, Ossoff has consistently stated he has no interest in running for president in 2028 and is currently focused on his re-election campaign for the Senate in Georgia. Vance has also not formally announced a presidential campaign but has acknowledged considering one. Vance has publicly stated in June that he was not running for president in 2028 and had no interest in doing so.
In the hypothetical matchups, Ossoff's lead narrows to three points when matched against Republican Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Vance's standing against Rubio in the poll was not detailed, but other Democratic contenders also showed varied results against the two Republicans. For instance, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg held an identical five-point advantage over both Vance and Rubio. California Governor Gavin Newsom led Vance by two points, with his advantage narrowing against Rubio. Former Vice President Kamala Harris led Vance by four points but trailed Rubio by five.
The poll also touched on national political sentiment. President Donald Trump's job approval stands at 40 percent, with 56 percent disapproving. Among independent voters, disapproval reached 66 percent. The economy was identified as the top issue for voters at 37 percent, followed by threats to democracy and healthcare at 16 percent, and immigration at 13 percent.
Another finding from the survey revealed that 23 percent of likely voters identify as supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America, while 60 percent do not, and 17 percent are unsure. Among Democrats, 46 percent indicated support for the DSA. The poll noted that this growing influence within the Democratic Party has led to several primary battles with mixed results over the summer.
While national polls offer a snapshot, presidential elections are determined by the Electoral College, making battleground states the ultimate deciders. Ossoff's current focus remains his Senate re-election campaign in Georgia. A significant victory in his home state could amplify his national visibility and strengthen his position as Democrats consider their 2028 options.