Democrats remain without a clear leader despite recent election victories, according to a recent Politico Poll showing a significant lack of consensus on who should guide the party. While off-cycle elections in November 2025 highlighted the strength of an energized liberal base, the results did not translate into a single leader capable of directing the party’s future. Kamala Harris, the former vice president and recent presidential nominee, was the only figure to reach double digits in the poll, with only 16 percent of voters selecting her as the party’s leader. Other top choices included various long-standing party figures, none of whom are seen as prominent 2028 contenders beyond Harris and Gavin Newsom. This division highlights an ideological and factional split within the party, even as victories in states like Virginia, New Jersey, and California offer hope for a resurgence. In stark contrast, the Republican Party has a clear leader, with 81 percent of their voters identifying Donald Trump as the party’s current head, emphasizing the current state of affairs within the U.S. political landscape. This lack of a unifying leader presents a challenge for Democrats as they look to rebuild and consolidate their base ahead of the 2028 presidential election.