2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings - June 5, 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:

We are just a few weeks away from the first debates, so we are now in the calm before the storm. Candidates are pushing out policies to help them build momentum, especially with the new requirements for the 3rd debates threatening to quickly shrink the field.

1. Joe Biden

Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Credentials: Vice President of the United States (2009–2017); U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009)
Notes: Biden's unveiling of his ambitious climate plan was marred with claims of plagiarism.

2. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: 2 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)

3. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 3 (-)
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: It is looking like Warren is starting to siphon often supporters from Sanders. This is not surprising, as the two have similar positions, but Warren has been putting out more specific policies that show how to accomplish their progressive agenda.

4. Kamala Harris

Previous Ranking: 4 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from California (2017–Current); Attorney General of California (2011–2017); District Attorney of San Francisco (2004–2011)
Notes: In terms of polling, I would say that Harris and Buttigieg are neck-and-neck. Harris has the advantage of a longer resume and more party support, but Buttigieg still has a bit of an "It factor".

5. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 5 (-)
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current)
Notes: Buttigieg's MSNBC Town Hall didn't make big headlines, but continued to show his ability to win over crowds and stay in the race.

6. Beto O'Rourke

Previous Ranking: 6 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Texas (2013–2019); El Paso City Council (2005-2011)
Notes: O'Rourke has been putting out policies in the past few weeks, including a voter participation plan today. It's clear that Beto is trying to find ways to stay relevant, considering his polling numbers keep dropping.

7. Cory Booker

Previous Ranking: 7 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from New Jersey (2013-Present); Mayor of Newark, NJ (2006-2013); Newark City Council (1998-2002)
Notes: Booker announced an affordable housing plan today.

8. Amy Klobuchar

Previous Ranking: 8 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-Present)

Honorable Mentions, Tier 1

Julian Castro, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Representative from Hawaii
Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York
John Hickenlooper, Former Governor of Colorado
Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington
Andrew Yang, Entrepreneur

Honorable Mentions, Tier 2

Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator from Colorado
Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana
Bill De Blasio, Mayor of New York
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
Marianne Williamson, Motivational Speaker & Self Help Author

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