Gavin Newsom vs Gretchen Whitmer

A side-by-side read on polling, money and early-state organization for the 2028 cycle. Deeper detail lives on the Gavin Newsom profile and the Gretchen Whitmer profile.

Gavin Newsom
Democratic · Declared
vsGretchen Whitmer
Democratic · Exploring
26.4%Polling avg14.2%
+1.230-day change+2.8
+120Market line+450
$38.7MQ2 raised$14.9M
$52.1MCash on hand$18.3M
44%Small dollar51%
22%Iowa17%
27%New Hampshire15%
24%South Carolina11%
73Early-state staff33
19Field offices9
CaliforniaHome stateMichigan
60Age56

Gavin Newsom in Brief

California's governor has spent the last two cycles building a national fundraising operation and a televised debate persona, and now converts that infrastructure into the best-funded Democratic campaign in the field.

Case for: Unmatched fundraising velocity, a disciplined national media strategy, and early organizational buildout across all four carve-out states.

Case against: California's record on cost of living and public safety gives rivals a ready-made contrast in Midwestern general-election battlegrounds.

Full Gavin Newsom tracker →

Gretchen Whitmer in Brief

Michigan's term-limited governor is the field's clearest Midwestern general-election argument, with a labor-aligned coalition and the fastest momentum of any Democrat currently in the top tier.

Case for: Fastest polling gain in the field, deep UAW and building-trades relationships, and a blue-wall electability pitch that tests well with primary voters.

Case against: A late start leaves her cash on hand well behind the declared frontrunners, and her national name recognition still trails.

Full Gretchen Whitmer tracker →

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