A new poll shows the most competitive contenders so far for a 2020 presidential run are former vice president Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Beto O’Rourke.
Despite calls for younger blood in Democratic leadership roles, Biden, 75, and Sanders, 77, lead the pack in popularity among voters, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll taken just after the midterm elections.
Biden was the first choice of 26 percent of voters and Sanders of 19 percent.
Another 8 percent said they would choose Representative Beto O’Rourke, 46, for commander-in-chief.
Three senators polled just under the Democratic rising star: Elizabeth Warren at 5 percent, Kamala Harris at 4 percent, and Cory Booker at 3 percent.
Behind them were two New York politicians, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Lower-ranking Democrats have expressed concern about the increasing age of their party’s heavyweights and warned voters may have ennui about them.
“I do think we have this real breadth and depth of talent within our caucus, and I do think it’s time to pass a torch to a new generation of leaders,” said Linda Sanchez, vice chair of the House Democratic caucus. “I think we have too many great members here that don’t always get the opportunities they should. I would like to see that change.”
The poll was conducted November 7 through 9.