Gretchen Whitmer leads the fragmented Democratic VP nominee market at 11.3% amid a wide-open 2028 presidential field, followed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8%, reflecting trader focus on candidates less likely to pursue the top slot. Whitmer’s positioning stems from her Michigan governorship, term limits freeing her for national roles, and appeal in swing-state demographics that could balance various presidential contenders. Ocasio-Cortez draws support from progressive visibility and recent primary successes. Most other names trail because frontrunners such as Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and Josh Shapiro are viewed as presidential aspirants unlikely to accept a running-mate slot. Ticket chemistry, geographic and ideological balance, plus the eventual nominee’s coalition needs, will drive any consolidation ahead of the convention.