New Hampshire’s Democratic Primary Landscape
A recent survey from the St. Anselm College Survey Center highlights some disarray within the Democratic Party as potential candidates for the 2028 primary in New Hampshire lack majority support.
This survey asked Democratic voters in New Hampshire to indicate whom they would choose if the primary were held today. The results showed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leading with 28%, while California Governor Gavin Newsom trailed closely with 24%. Other candidates such as former Vice President Kamala Harris received 6%, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker got 4%, and Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) also had 4%. Meanwhile, candidates like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) garnered less than 2% each.
In contrast, the Republican field appears more united around Vice President J.D. Vance, who received 57% support from voters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is significantly behind at 9%, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 7%. Other candidates, including businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former ambassador Nikki Haley, and DNI Secretary Tulsi Gabbard, each received 4%. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin each received just 1%, while 2% chose “Other” and 10% were unsure.
Interestingly, the survey indicates that the primary concern for New Hampshire voters is democracy and elections, with 23% prioritizing this issue. The economy and inflation follow close behind at 17%, then affordability at 16%. Other points of concern include government spending and taxes at 11%, healthcare at 10%, and border security at 6%, while other issues received less than 4% support.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2028 candidates for both parties, former President Donald Trump suggested in October that a potential ticket featuring Vance and Rubio could be “unstoppable.” He expressed high confidence in their abilities and touted his own poll numbers, suggesting he might consider a third term despite existing legal constraints.
Trump also pointed out the strengths of both potential candidates, highlighting their appeal and suggesting that their combination could prove formidable in the future.
