NEW YORK CITY — The progressive wing of the Democratic Party is already competing for voters, operatives and organizational resources two years before the 2028 presidential primary, Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese said. The behind-the-scenes competition centers on the coalition that powered Senator Bernie Sanders' two presidential campaigns.

Interviews with more than a dozen major liberal groups, progressive activists, operatives and elected officials indicate that many in the most liberal faction of the party are not committed to a single candidate and are open to multiple contenders. Our Revolution, the grassroots movement that backed Sanders in both of his presidential bids, has 8 million members.

Some progressives view Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as the most likely successor to Sanders' progressive mantle, while others point to Rep. Ro Khanna of California, citing policy credentials similar to those of Sanders.

"AOC, Ro Khanna, potentially others would have an advantage given they've been leading on issues that are important to the base," Geevarghese said. He cautioned that the contest remains open.

"I don't think the field is written. There's always somebody who's surprising. They can step in and really scramble the field," he said.

Ocasio-Cortez consistently polls in the top five among Democratic leaders potentially seeking the White House, has high national name recognition among Democratic voters and has raised money through small-dollar donations. According to a source with knowledge of her thinking, Ocasio-Cortez has not decided whether to run for Senate or for president and has not ruled either option out.

Other potential presidential candidates being discussed include Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia.

Veteran strategist Mark Longabaugh said the expanding field could complicate efforts to consolidate the progressive coalition Sanders assembled. "There are a lot of people who are going to come into this race and move to the left. They'll not be Bernie but they'll chip away at his coalition," Longabaugh said. "It makes the task harder."