2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings - February 20, 2019

This list looks at who I believe currently has the best chance of winning the 2020 Democratic Party nomination for President. Only notable individuals who have announced they are running or have formed an exploratory committee are included. I am not a political expert, so don’t take this too seriously. Feel free to provide feedback.

Notes for This Week:

The big news this past week was Senator Bernie Sanders announcing his campaign yesterday. That leaves only Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Beto O'Rourke as my "Big Dogs", potential candidates yet to announce who can actually shake up the top rankings. 

1. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: N/A
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)
Notes: There had been talk for weeks that Sanders would join the race, and yesterday he finally did. Sanders won 46% of the delegates in the 2016 primary, so he's clearly the leader this time around. He could be a victim of his own success, as many of the top candidates this year have taken on his more progressive policies, but in the 24 hours since his announcement, he's already raised $6 million.

2. Kamala Harris

Previous Ranking: 1 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from California (2017–Current); Attorney General of California (2011–2017); District Attorney of San Francisco (2004–2011)

3. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 2 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Massachusetts (2013–Current); Assistant to the President for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2010–2011); Congressional Oversight Panel Chair for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (2008–2010)
Notes: Warren announced her proposal for universal child care this week, solidifying her position as Sander's biggest competitor amongst progressives.

4. Cory Booker

Previous Ranking: 3 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from New Jersey (2013-Present); Mayor of Newark, NJ (2006-2013); Newark City Council (1998-2002)

5. Amy Klobuchar

Previous Ranking: 4 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-Present)
Notes: Klobuchar is establishing herself as the moderate candidate, with a CNN Town Hall where she didn't fully support Medicare-For-All or free college.

6. Kirsten Gillibrand

Previous Ranking: 5 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from New York (2009–Current); U.S. Representative from New York (2007–2009)

7. Julian Castro

Previous Ranking: 6 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2014–2017); Mayor of San Antonio (2009–2014)

8. Tulsi Gabbard

Previous Ranking: 7 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Hawaii (2013–Current); Honolulu City Council Member (2011–2012); Hawaii State Representative (2002–2004); Major in Hawaii Army National Guard (2003-Current)
Notes: Gabbard has been fighting her politics again this week, being labelled an Assad Apologist by Meghan McCain.

9. John Delaney

Previous Ranking: 8 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Maryland (2013–2019)

10. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 9 (-1)
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current)