Clooney's 2028 Watchlist: Where Ossoff, Pritzker and Beshear Stand Ahead of the Midterms

Actor and Democratic fundraiser George Clooney has named three Democrats he is watching as potential 2028 presidential contenders — Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.) and Gov. Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) — but he says he will wait until after the November midterms to endorse anyone.

Why Clooney’s Comments Matter

Clooney’s public interventions have had political consequences before: in July 2024 he urged President Joe Biden to end his reelection campaign after a weak debate performance, a widely discussed intervention that preceded Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of then–Vice President Kamala Harris. That prominence means Clooney’s preferences can help shape donor and media attention for rising Democrats.

How the Three Are Faring

Jon Ossoff (Georgia)

Of the three names Clooney mentioned, Ossoff currently has the strongest footing in national presidential polling and faces the most immediate electoral test. The 39-year-old senator — first elected after a January 2021 runoff — is seeking a second term on Nov. 3 against Republican Rep. Mike Collins.

RealClearPolling’s average for the Georgia Senate race lists Ossoff at about 51.1% to Collins’ 43.1%, with individual September polls showing leads ranging from roughly four to 11 points. Recent polls such as a Big Data Poll (Sept. 21–23) found Ossoff ahead 55% to 45% among likely Georgia voters. A second win would likely strengthen his national profile as Democrats debate generational change following 2024.

J.B. Pritzker (Illinois)

Pritzker is also up for reelection on Nov. 3 as Illinois governor. Public polling on his state race is currently limited; RealClearPolling cites a November 2025 Victory Research survey that gave Pritzker a 54%–34% advantage over Republican Darren Bailey. Nationally, Pritzker’s early 2028 standing is modest — RealClearPolling’s average places him around the low single digits, with individual polls varying between about 2% and 5%.

Andy Beshear (Kentucky)

Beshear is not on the ballot this cycle; he was reelected governor in 2023. In early 2028 national testing he generally polls in the low single digits. RealClearPolling’s average lists him around 4%, with individual surveys ranging from roughly 2% to 7% depending on the poll and timing. Beshear has argued that governors bring the executive experience necessary for the White House.

Polling Snapshot And Markets

Early national polling is volatile and reflects name recognition as much as electability. RealClearPolling’s national average (July 19–Sept. 28) put Harris at 26.3%, Gavin Newsom at 14.3%, Pete Buttigieg at 12.6% and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 10%. Ossoff was at about 8.8%, Beshear at 4% and Pritzker at 3.2% in that snapshot. Individual polls vary: a Sept. 26–28 Harvard-Harris poll showed Harris at 38%, Ossoff at 6% and Pritzker at 5%; an Echelon Insights poll (Sept. 17–21) gave Ossoff 8% and both Beshear and Pritzker 2%; a July Emerson poll put Ossoff at 13% and Beshear at 7%.

Prediction markets also offer a different lens: as of Oct. 4, Polymarket odds placed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at roughly 17%, Newsom at 16% and Ossoff at 15% — a reminder that markets track trader expectations and can differ from public-opinion polling.

What To Watch On Nov. 3

For Ossoff and Pritzker, the midterms offer a tangible test beyond hypothetical presidential polling: successful reelection bids would boost their standing with donors, activists and journalists weighing the 2028 field. Clooney has said he will wait until after the midterms to make any endorsements and has ruled out a presidential run himself.

Bottom Line

Early indicators show Ossoff with the strongest national profile among Clooney’s three picks, but polling this far from 2028 is highly provisional. Much will change between now and the primaries, and Nov. 3 will provide the clearest immediate signal about two of the three names Clooney highlighted.