No heir apparent: Progressives split over who carries Bernie Sanders’s torch in 2028

By Mabinty Quarshie
Published June 10, 2026 7:00am ET
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Democrats are divided over who will take up the progressive mantle during their 2028 presidential primary season after Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) appeared to rule out a White House run during a conversation with Robert Costa at the National Press Club.

Several progressives are thought to be Sanders’s apparent heir-in-waiting, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA).

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2028 Elections Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Bernie Sanders Democratic Party Ro Khanna Washington D.C.