A recent Emerson College Polling survey conducted from August 16 to 17, 2026, indicates that Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff is leading Republican JD Vance by five percentage points in a hypothetical matchup for the 2028 presidential election, with Ossoff receiving 49 percent of support compared to Vance's 44 percent. The poll surveyed 1,000 likely voters nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.
Ossoff's lead narrows to three points when matched against Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The survey also included other Democratic contenders, such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, with Buttigieg sharing a similar five-point advantage over both Vance and Rubio.
Despite speculation regarding a presidential run, Vance has publicly stated he has 'zero interest' in running for president. Ossoff, meanwhile, is focused on his re-election campaign in Georgia, where a significant victory could enhance his national profile.
The survey also 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 identify as DSA supporters. The economy was identified as the top issue for voters at 37 percent, followed by threats to democracy and healthcare at 16 percent each, and immigration at 13 percent.