2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings - April 24, 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:

I planned to wait until next week to cut my rankings to the Top 12 candidates, but the circus is now at 18 with Seth Moulton entering the race and Biden announcing tomorrow (I'll add him next week). I don't think anyone cares who is #15 vs. #16.

CNN hosted town halls this week for Sanders, Harris, Buttigieg, Warren, and Klobuchar.

1. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)
Note: It's important to note that while Sanders has consistently been polling well, it's not a guarantee that he'll be the nominee. While Biden will have more establishment support, the same goes for him. Sanders is getting a little flack for stating his opinion during his CNN town hall that convicts in prison should be allowed to vote.

2. Kamala Harris

Previous Ranking: 2 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from California (2017–Current); Attorney General of California (2011–2017); District Attorney of San Francisco (2004–2011)
Note: Harris called for "conversations" about a lot of issues during her town hall. Voters could see this as her being open to ideas, or as her not having any conviction. We'll have to wait and see (and have a conversation about it).

3. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 4 (+1)
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current)
Note: Mayor Pete officially launched his campaign this weekend, and he performed well in his town hall.

4. Beto O'Rourke

Previous Ranking: 3 (-1)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Texas (2013–2019); El Paso City Council (2005-2011)

5. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 5 (-)
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)
Note: Warren keeps pushing out new policies in hopes that it will gain some traction for her. This time, her education plan aims to cancel student debt and make college free.

6. Cory Booker

Previous Ranking: 6 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from New Jersey (2013-Present); Mayor of Newark, NJ (2006-2013); Newark City Council (1998-2002)

7. Amy Klobuchar

Previous Ranking: 7 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-Present)
Note: Klobuchar had a bit of a "Please Clap" moment during her town hall, as well as establishing herself as the moderate option.

8. John Hickenlooper

Previous Ranking: 8 (-)
Credentials: Governor of Colorado (2011-2019); Mayor of Denver (2004-2010)

9. Jay Inslee

Previous Ranking: 9 (-)
Credentials: Governor of Washington (2013-Current); U.S. Representative from Washington (1993-1995, 1999-2012); Washington State Representative (1988-1992)

10. Julian Castro

Previous Ranking: 10 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (2014–2017); Mayor of San Antonio (2009–2014)

11. Kirsten Gillibrand

Previous Ranking: 11 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from NewYork (2009–Current); U.S. Representative from New York (2007–2009)

12. Tulsi Gabbard

Previous Ranking: 12 (-)
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)

Honorable Mentions

John Delaney, Former U.S. Representative from Maryland

Seth Moulton, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts

Tim Ryan, U.S. Representative from Ohio

Eric Swalwell, U.S. Representative from California

Andrew Yang, Entrepreneur

Let me know what you think about my rankings! Leave a comment below.