A new poll released by The Economist and YouGov shows Minnesota Governor Tim Walz struggling to gain traction among Democratic voters on the national stage, casting doubt on his potential prospects for the 2028 presidential election.

The poll, which surveyed Democratic voters about their preferred future leaders, found that only 3% identified Walz as the current leader of the Democratic Party.

Today, a poll came out showing only three percent of Democrats see Tim Walz as the leader of their party.

Three. Percent. https://t.co/6m3hOJcxHI

— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) April 8, 2025

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That figure places him well behind other prominent Democrats such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

Walz, who has made recent efforts to raise his national profile, including increased media engagement and a tour across Midwestern states, has not been able to break through with the party’s base. Despite delivering speeches in states like Iowa and Wisconsin and attempting to draw attention to issues such as healthcare, education, and federal budget cuts, his message has not translated into broader support.

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The poll indicates that Harris leads among Democrats when asked who they would consider voting for in a 2028 primary.

She received support from 58% of respondents. Walz was tied with Ocasio-Cortez at 38%, slightly ahead of Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but behind a number of other potential contenders.

When asked who their ideal nominee would be in 2028, less than 4% of Democrats selected Walz.

That number places him behind Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

The poll also included broader party sentiment. Just 23% of Americans said they viewed the Democratic Party as “united,” while 52% viewed the Republican Party as more cohesive.

Congressional Democrats hold a net favorability rating of -29, compared to -13 for congressional Republicans.

Among base voters, enthusiasm is also divided.

While 76% of Republicans say they feel satisfied or enthusiastic about their party’s elected officials, only 53% of Democrats say the same for their own.

The numbers reflect a gap in party unity and voter motivation heading into the post-2024 political cycle.

Governor Walz has continued his national activity into 2025. In recent months, he has held public events aimed at challenging the Trump administration’s policies.

In a speech delivered last month in Des Moines, Iowa, Walz criticized Republican proposals affecting healthcare and education.

He voiced his support for programs like Medicare and Medicaid and warned of the impact of policy changes on working families.

Shortly after, he visited Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to campaign in support of Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford.

At that event, he criticized budget cuts enacted by the Trump administration and initiatives led by the Department of Government Efficiency, which is currently overseen by Elon Musk.

Walz’s travel schedule and messaging indicate a continued effort to position himself as a national Democratic figure and as a leading voice in the party’s opposition during Trump’s second term.

On the Republican side, the poll shows strong early support for Vice President JD Vance among potential 2028 GOP candidates.

Vance was the top choice, with 69% of Republicans saying they would consider voting for him in a primary—more than the combined support for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr.

Though Walz’s team has downplayed the poll’s significance, the numbers raise questions about his standing within the Democratic Party as it searches for leadership beyond 2024.

With just 3% identifying him as a party leader, Walz faces a significant challenge in staying relevant at the national level.

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