Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, according to a recent poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire. The survey reveals that Buttigieg commands the support of 19% of voters in New Hampshire, surpassing California Governor Gavin Newsom and other notable candidates.
Buttigieg, who previously served as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has garnered an impressive 81% favorability rating among those surveyed, with only 6% expressing a negative view. His significant lead reflects his continued visibility and support following his tenure in the Biden administration.
Poll Results and Other Contenders
Trailing Buttigieg by just 4%, Newsom has captured 15% of voter support, while Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez follows closely with 14%. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is also in the mix, receiving 11% of the vote. During a recent appearance on CBS News Sunday Morning, Newsom indicated that he is weighing a presidential run following the national midterm elections scheduled for next year. He stated, “I’d be lying otherwise. I’d just be lying, and I can’t do that,” when asked about his intentions.
Harris, on the other hand, expressed her interest in considering another campaign. When asked by the BBC about her potential candidacy, she remarked, “Possibly. I am not done. I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones.”
The Granite State Poll also included other potential contenders, such as Senator Bernie Sanders, who received 8%, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who garnered 6% of voter support.
Republican Landscape and Future Implications
Among Republicans, Vice President J.D. Vance leads with a commanding 51% support from 688 likely Republican voters. He is significantly ahead of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who received 9%, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, with 8%. Former President Donald Trump recently endorsed a potential ticket featuring Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claiming it would be “unstoppable.”
Despite the 2028 election being over three years away, the New Hampshire poll holds considerable weight. New Hampshire traditionally serves as the first state to hold both Democratic and Republican primaries, often setting the tone for the remainder of the election cycle. The outcomes of these early primaries can significantly influence which candidates remain in contention as the race progresses.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the early stages of the 2028 race are shaping up to be competitive, with candidates from both parties beginning to establish their platforms and garner support from voters.
