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Buttigieg Leads Early 2028 Democratic Presidential Poll in New Hampshire
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the early frontrunner among potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates in New Hampshire, according to a new poll released Thursday by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.
The survey, conducted in the state that has traditionally held the first primary in the presidential race for over a century, shows Buttigieg commanding 20% support among Democratic primary voters when asked who they would back if the 2028 nomination contest were held today.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York tied for second place with 15% each. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the Democrats’ 2024 nominee, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona each received 10% support, with remaining potential candidates registering in single digits.
The poll results were released just hours before Buttigieg arrived in New Hampshire to campaign alongside Democratic candidates in this year’s midterm elections. When asked about the survey by reporters, Buttigieg downplayed its significance, noting, “I’m not on any ballot right now.”
“Obviously it feels good to be well received,” he added, referencing the goodwill he established in the Granite State during his 2020 presidential bid, where he narrowly placed second behind Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in the state’s Democratic primary.
Buttigieg’s New Hampshire visit marks his third appearance in an early voting state since leaving his cabinet position at the end of the previous administration, following earlier trips to South Carolina and Iowa. While he typically avoids direct discussion of 2028 ambitions, he has previously mentioned that he would consider what he “brings to the table” regarding another potential White House run.
During his three-day swing through the key New England swing state, Buttigieg joined Representative Chris Pappas, the clear Democratic frontrunner for the Senate nomination to replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The Senate race represents a top target for Republicans in the midterm elections.
Buttigieg’s political schedule shows no signs of slowing down. He is heading to battleground Nevada next week, and sources familiar with his plans told reporters he intends to campaign for candidates in Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.
“I’m a big believer in going everywhere across the media landscape and geographically. Some are well-known places on the political map. Some are a little bit off the beaten path. All of them deserve attention,” Buttigieg said. He added that he’ll “continue to go wherever I think I can be useful in elevating attention to issues and working with candidates I believe in.”
Meanwhile, Governor Newsom, who tied for second in the poll, will soon make his own appearance in New Hampshire. His tour promoting his new book, “Young Man in a Hurry,” includes a stop in Portsmouth on March 5—his first visit to the state in two years. Newsom recently generated headlines as one of several potential Democratic presidential contenders who spoke at the prestigious Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Ocasio-Cortez, who also attended the Munich conference, has faced significant criticism over the past week following what critics described as a stumble during a panel discussion. When asked whether the United States should send troops to defend Taiwan from a potential Chinese invasion, the progressive lawmaker appeared to stall for nearly 20 seconds before suggesting the U.S. should try to avoid a clash with China over Taiwan.
The incident prompted widespread criticism not only from Republicans but also from within Democratic circles. One veteran Democratic strategist, speaking anonymously, told reporters, “It is abundantly clear that AOC is not ready for prime time given her remarks in Europe.”
These early political maneuvers highlight the already-active jockeying for position in the 2028 presidential race, with potential candidates using midterm campaigns and policy events to maintain visibility and test messaging with voters in key states, despite the election being years away.
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11 Comments
The 2028 presidential primary poll results are certainly eye-catching, with Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC all emerging as early frontrunners. As someone with a keen interest in the mining, energy, and commodities industries, I’ll be watching closely to see how these candidates articulate their policy platforms on issues that impact those sectors.
Me too, I’ll be very interested to hear the candidates’ views on mining, energy, and commodity-related topics as the 2028 race takes shape. These industries have a major impact on the economy, so their policy positions will be highly relevant for many voters.
Interesting to see Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC leading the early 2028 primary poll in New Hampshire. As someone who follows the mining and energy sectors closely, I’ll be curious to hear their policy proposals and views on issues important to those industries. The next presidential race is still a ways off, but this gives an early snapshot of the potential field.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results suggest a potentially lively Democratic race is on the horizon. Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC are all prominent figures, and it will be intriguing to see how they position themselves on mining, energy, and commodity-related issues as the campaign unfolds.
Agreed, the next presidential election cycle is still a long way off, but these early poll numbers give an interesting glimpse into the potential field. I’ll be following closely to see how the candidates address topics important to the mining, energy, and commodities sectors.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results are certainly intriguing, with Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC emerging as early frontrunners. As someone who closely follows the mining, energy, and commodities sectors, I’ll be curious to see how these candidates address the key issues impacting those industries as the campaign progresses.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results in New Hampshire are certainly thought-provoking, with Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC emerging as early frontrunners. As someone who closely follows the mining, energy, and commodities sectors, I’ll be very interested to see how these candidates address the key issues impacting those industries as the campaign unfolds.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results in New Hampshire are an interesting early snapshot, though there’s a long way to go before the actual election. Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC are all high-profile figures who will likely have to engage with the mining, energy, and commodities sectors as they seek to win over voters. I’ll be following their policy positions on those issues closely.
Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC are all high-profile figures who could certainly make a strong run for the presidency in 2028. Their positions on issues like mining, energy, and commodity markets will be closely watched by voters in those industries. It will be an important election to follow.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results are an interesting early indicator, though of course a lot can change between now and the actual election. Buttigieg, Newsom, and AOC are all high-profile figures who will likely have to articulate their positions on mining, energy, and commodity-related issues if they want to win over voters in those industries.
The 2028 presidential primary poll results are certainly interesting, though it’s still quite early. It will be fascinating to see how the field takes shape over the next several years as the country approaches the next election cycle. I wonder how mining, energy, and commodities issues could impact the race.