2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings  - September 25, 2019

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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 deadline to qualify for the 4th Democratic Primary Debate(s) is next week. Barring some miracle, it looks like we will have 12 candidates on the stage(s), with Gabbard just getting her last needed poll yesterday. The requirements for the 4th debate(s) in November were announced this week, and the polling threshold is now 3% nationally (with some new rules for early state polls). This could cut the debate down to only 5 - 9 candidates.

With just over four months to go until the first state primaries, you will see below that I have decided to start winnowing my list. Klobuchar and Castro are polling at an average of about 1% each in national polls, and there doesn't appear to be any momentum for either of them. They both qualify for the next debate, but things don't look so good for the 4th debate in November.

Also of note, Bill de Blasio dropped out of the race.


1. Joe Biden

Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Credentials: Vice President of the United States (2009–2017); U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009)
Notes: Biden has been in the news this past week mostly due another Trump scandal that could lead to impeachment (which most candidates support). It's hard to tell how this will play out for Biden himself, but he has proven to be resistant to attacks and gaffes.

2. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 2 (-)
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 is still doing well in early state polls, even leading in some of the more recent ones from Iowa and New Hampshire. Her campaign is now rolling out a major ad buy in those markets.

3. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: 3 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)
Notes: Sanders just announced a wealth tax plan that is even more aggressive than Warren's previously announced plan.

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)

5. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 5 (-)
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current)   

6. Andrew Yang

Previous Ranking: 6 (-)
Credentials: Entrepreneur

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 is on par with Yang and O'Rourke in the polls, but his campaign is apparently having some financial concerns.

8. Beto O'Rourke

Previous Ranking: 8 (-)
Credentials: U.S. Representative from Texas (2013–2019); El Paso City Council (2005-2011)

Honorable Mentions, Tier 1

  • Julian Castro, Former U.S. Secretary of HUD and Former Mayor of San Antonio
  • Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. Representative from Hawaii
  • Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator from Minnesota
  • Tom Steyer, Billionaire
  • Marianne Williamson, Motivational Speaker & Self Help Author

Honorable Mentions, Tier 2

  • Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator from Colorado
  • Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana
  • John Delaney, Former U.S. Representative from Maryland
  • Tim Ryan, U.S. Representative from Ohio
  • Joe Sestak, Former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania

General Reference Links


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

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