FOR INSIDERS | These 7 Democrats lead the pack: Ranking the White House contenders

The Democratic presidential primary is shaping up to be one of the most wide-open contests in decades, with no clear front-runner in sight. 

Still, several Democrats are already separating themselves from the pack, according to strategists, donors and other operatives within the party who spoke to The Hill.

Here are our rankings on the race for the Democratic nomination at this early stage of the race.

The California governor would enter any potential 2028 race as the closest thing Democrats have to an early front-runner.

Few Democrats have Gavin Newsom’s national profile, fundraising network, and willingness to engage directly with President Trump. His network expanded significantly last year after he built an email list with supporters around the country who backed his successful redistricting effort in his state.

Last month, he also made headlines after revealing that he and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, were under investigation by the Justice Department. Some Democrats said the investigation could actually help — not hurt — the governor by underscoring his image as a fighter more than happy to take on Trump.

“I think it helps him,” Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons said of the investigations, adding that while the details of the investigation are unclear “it’s helpful at the moment because being in a fight with Donald Trump will help rally Democrats.”

If the Georgia senator wins reelection later this year, Democrats say it will inevitably catapult him to the top of the heap of presidential contenders.

After all, a second Senate victory would make him one of the few Democrats to win repeatedly in a purple state. In the meantime, Jon Ossoff, 39, has attracted attention beyond the Georgia border with social media posts and videos that have gone viral.

Even Republicans have taken notice: “Jon Ossoff right now is the one candidate you hear about the most, as far as energy and buzz and whether or not he can offer an Obama-like sort of balance to the party profile,” Republican strategist Kevin........

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