A new Atlas National Poll has sparked early 2028 presidential speculation after showing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emerging as standout favorites among voters in their respective parties.

The Atlas National Poll surveyed voters on potential candidates for the next White House race. Among Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez received 26 percent support. She led former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

On the Republican side, Rubio took 45.4 percent, placing him well ahead of Vice President JD Vance and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Democratic voters give Ocasio-Cortez the lead

Ocasio-Cortez has not announced any plans to run for president. She recently declined to rule out a bid in a conversation with Democratic strategist David Axelrod. The New York congresswoman has built a national profile through her work in Congress and frequent public statements on policy issues.

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The poll results place her ahead of several Democrats with more executive experience. Buttigieg, Newsom, and Harris have all been mentioned as possible contenders in past election cycles. No candidate has formally entered the 2028 race.

Rubio dominates Republican field

Rubio serves as Secretary of State in President Donald Trump’s administration. The poll shows him with a strong lead over other Republicans. Vice President JD Vance placed second but trailed Rubio by a wide margin.

Trump has spoken positively about Rubio and Vance. At a recent White House event, the president described them as a potential “dream team” ticket for 2028. Rubio has not commented publicly on any future campaign plans.

The survey was conducted before any official announcements from possible candidates. It captures voter sentiment more than two years before the 2028 primaries.

The survey indicates Rubio holds a commanding lead among Republican voters, while Ocasio-Cortez tops the Democratic field, ahead of other potential contenders including Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Kamala Harris.

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The results suggest an early ideological contrast shaping up between the two figures, even as neither has formally launched a presidential campaign.

The poll also reflects growing attention to the post-Donald Trump political landscape, with voters already signaling their preference for a new generation of leadership.

Why this matters

The poll offers an early measure of voter preferences as both parties prepare for the period after Trump’s second term. Rubio’s position as secretary of state gives him high visibility on foreign policy. Ocasio-Cortez maintains strong support among progressive voters who want clearer policy shifts on economic and social issues.

Party officials and donors often watch early polls to decide where to direct resources. Strong early numbers can affect fundraising and staff recruitment even before formal campaigns begin. The results suggest voters are already considering options beyond the current administration.