Politics
New Poll Suggests Democrats Still Leaderless After 2024 Collapse
By Jake Beardslee · May 15, 2025
Leadership Vacuum? Poll Shows ‘No One’ Tied for Top Spot in Democratic Party
A recent poll suggests Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is gaining traction as a leading figure in the Democratic Party, narrowly edging out former Vice President Kamala Harris in voter perception.The survey, conducted by co/efficient between May 7 and May 9 among 1,462 likely voters, found that 26% view Ocasio-Cortez as the face of the Democratic Party, tied with the 26% who believe no one currently holds that position. Josh Morgan-USA TODAY
Harris Trails as Voters Split Between AOC, Sanders, and Others
Harris, who served as the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024, received just 6% in the poll. California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries all placed lower. Another 22% of respondents selected “other.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders earned 12%, and Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett had 8%.The data reflects the ongoing struggle within the Democratic Party to unify behind a single figure after losing control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
AOC Steps Up Ground Game as Harris Stays Quiet
Since the election, Harris has remained largely out of the public eye, while Ocasio-Cortez has traveled across the country, aiming to energize grassroots supporters. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Analyst: AOC Polarizes, But Stays Front and Center
Political analyst D. Stephen Voss told Newsweek, “AOC serves as the face of the Democratic Party for many Trump supporters who dislike national Democrats. They like to pillory her as ignorant and irresponsible.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
AOC Seen as Natural Successor to Sanders by Some Voters
At the same time, he said, “many Democrats embrace AOC as a worthy young successor to Bernie, someone who can play the role of progressive challenger in a Democratic nomination battle.” Jackson Lanier / Wikimedia
Analyst Credits AOC’s Strong Branding for National Recognition
Voss added that part of Ocasio-Cortez’s visibility stems from her branding. “Ocasio-Cortez enjoys good branding, as symbolized by the fact both supporters and critics simply refer to her as AOC.” nrkbeta / Wikimedia
Past Polls Paint a Different Picture of Democratic Field
Other surveys have produced different results. An April poll by AtlasIntel with 2,347 respondents placed Buttigieg in the lead with 27.7%, followed by Harris at 24.1%, and Ocasio-Cortez at 15.9%. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Cruz: ‘Apparently, Democrats Aren’t Tired of Losing’
Republican officials have been quick to weigh in. Senator Ted Cruz posted on X, “Republicans aren't tired of winning, and apparently, Democrats aren't tired of losing.” Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Republicans Mock Democratic Disunity
House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote in February, “Their party is completely broken. They have no vision and no leader.” Office of Speaker Mike Johnson / Wikimedia
Buttigieg Calls for Vision Beyond Opposition to Trump
Buttigieg, in a recent post, struck a more forward-looking tone: “To be effective, our opposition to today’s abuses must run alongside a clear picture of what we are actually for.” Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images