George Clooney Named Potential 2028 Democratic Candidates
The actor identified three Democratic figures as future presidential prospects during a recent event.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Elections
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In September 2026, actor George Clooney suggested Jon Ossoff, JB Pritzker, and Andy Beshear as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential election. Clooney, who is 65, cited a desire to see younger voices with fresh ideas leading the Democratic Party.
Why it matters
Clooney aims to influence the future trajectory of the Democratic Party by highlighting emerging leaders. He has stated he will wait until after the November 2026 midterm elections before making any formal candidate endorsements.
Jon Ossoff currently holds an 11-point lead over Collins in a recent survey and polls at 8.8% nationally for 2028. Beshear and Pritzker track at 4% and 3.2% respectively.
The players
George Clooney
George Clooney is an American actor and filmmaker who has become increasingly active in political advocacy.
Jon Ossoff
Jon Ossoff is a U.S. Senator from Georgia who was first elected to the chamber in 2021.
JB Pritzker
JB Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois who is currently seeking reelection in his state.
Andy Beshear
Andy Beshear is the Governor of Kentucky who was mentioned by Clooney as a potential national candidate.
The details
Clooney identified these three figures during The Future of Creativity event held in Venice. While Ossoff and Pritzker are currently preparing for reelection bids in November 2026, Beshear is not standing for election this year.
Timeline
Jon Ossoff was elected to the U.S. Senate in January 2021.
George Clooney spoke at the Venice event in September 2026.
Jon Ossoff and JB Pritzker seek reelection on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The identification of these candidates follows the pattern of early speculation typical for the 2028 presidential election cycle. It reflects the ongoing search for new leadership profiles within the Democratic Party.
The upcoming November 3 elections will serve as a crucial political test for Ossoff and Pritzker. Their electoral performance this year could significantly influence their viability for any future national ambitions.
The takeaway
Clooney's remarks underscore the importance of age and new perspectives in the evolving landscape of national politics. Voters should monitor the upcoming midterms as a barometer for potential future candidates.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming races, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsweek.
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