Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R-FL) lead their respective parties in a new 2028 presidential primary poll.
The results signal a potential shift in party leadership and influence as both parties begin to gauge voter preferences for the next election cycle.
The Atlas National (AtlasIntel) poll, reported on May 12, 2026, identifies Ocasio-Cortez as the top contender among Democratic voters [1]. The survey sought to determine which candidates currently hold the most appeal within the primary fields of both major parties [2].
On the Republican side, Rubio has established a significant lead over his competitors [1]. He secured 45.4% support among Republican voters [3]. This performance places him with a double-digit lead over fellow competitor Vance [4].
While the poll provides a snapshot of current sentiment, the 2028 primary season remains distant. However, the data suggests that Ocasio-Cortez has captured a substantial portion of the Democratic base, a position that reflects her continued prominence in national politics [1].
Rubio's strong showing among GOP voters indicates a consolidation of support around his platform [3]. The margin between Rubio and other potential candidates underscores a clear preference among the surveyed Republican electorate at this stage [4].
The Atlas National poll serves as an early indicator of candidate viability and the current mood of the U.S. electorate [2]. As the 2028 cycle progresses, these figures may shift based on legislative achievements or new political entries.
“Rubio secures 45.4% support among Republican voters”
These early polling numbers suggest that both parties may be gravitating toward established national figures with distinct ideological identities. For Democrats, the lead held by Ocasio-Cortez indicates a strong appetite for her specific brand of progressivism. For Republicans, Rubio's double-digit lead over Vance suggests he is currently the preferred vessel for the party's conservative platform heading toward 2028.
