2020 Democratic Presidential Nominee Weekly Power Rankings  - February 19th, 2020

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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 are included. I am not a political expert, so don’t take this too seriously. Feel free to provide feedback.


Notes for This Week:
  • Polling numbers have been a little unsteady leading up to our next contest in Nevada this Saturday.
  • The big story this week has been Mike Bloomberg. He's surging in national (and some state) polling, and he has qualified for tonight's debate. This is his first debate of the season, made possible in part due to the DNC changing the rules to eliminate donation thresholds (Bloomberg isn't taking donations). The billionaire has made up for his late campaign start in November by spending possibly more than any other candidate ever.
  • The Sanders campaign is expected to ask for a recount of the Iowa caucus results after a recanvass narrowed Buttigieg's lead to almost nothing.

1. Bernie Sanders

Previous Ranking: 1 (-)
Delegates: 21
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Vermont (2007–Current); U.S. Representative from Vermont (1991–2007); Mayor of Burlington, Vermont (1981–1989)
Notes: Sanders has added some cushion in his polling leads over the past week, most likely due to his performances in the first two states.

2. Pete Buttigieg

Previous Ranking: 3 (+1)
Delegates: 22
Credentials: Mayor of South Bend, Indiana (2012 — Current) 
Notes: Moving Buttigieg up in the rankings is a bit of gamble. He's leading in delegates at the moment, but he doesn't have strong support in the next two upcoming states. However, everything after Sanders is a shot in the dark right now. Biden is at a big risk (see below), Bloomberg and Steyer are surging, Warren seems to be waning, and Klobuchar will have trouble capitalizing on her showing in New Hampshire. Mayor Pete is holding steady in the rough seas.

3. Joe Biden

Previous Ranking: 2 (-1)
Delegates: 6
Credentials: Vice President of the United States (2009–2017); U.S. Senator from Delaware (1973–2009)
Notes: These next two contests are crucial for Biden. If he has a solid showing in Nevada and wins South Carolina, he'll have good momentum going into Super Tuesday. If he falters in either state, especially his "firewall" of South Carolina, then he could be done.

4. Michael Bloomberg

Previous Ranking: 6 (+2)
Delegates: 0
Credentials: Mayor of New York City (2002-2013)
Notes: Bloomberg is also in the news for how he is using his money. He's made ads that have effectively targeted Trump, along with ones that have not-so-effectively targeted Sanders and his supporters. He's also getting into the meme game.

5. Elizabeth Warren

Previous Ranking: 4 (-1)
Delegates: 8
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: There have been accusations of the media has been ignoring Warren. Hopefully voters won't as well.

6. Amy Klobuchar

Previous Ranking: 5 (-1)
Delegates: 7
Credentials: U.S. Senator from Minnesota (2007-Present)


7. Tom Steyer

Previous Ranking: 7 (-)
Delegates: 0
Credentials: Billionaire
Notes: Steyer's invested efforts (e.g. money) in Nevada and South Carolina seem to finally be paying off. He's polling at 10% or more in both states, even getting up to 19% and 20% respectively in the latest polls. However, there may not be enough time to turn those potential results into momentum for Super Tuesday.

8. Tulsi Gabbard

Previous Ranking: 8 (-)
Delegates: 0
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)


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

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