Buttigieg Leads in New Hampshire Poll for 2028 Democratic Presidential Candidates
Manchester, New Hampshire — Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the frontrunner among potential candidates for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, according to a new poll from New Hampshire. This state has held a significant position in presidential primaries for over a hundred years.
In this poll, 20% of likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire indicated they would choose Buttigieg if the nomination contest were happening today. California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are tied for second with 15% each. Meanwhile, both former Vice President Kamala Harris and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly garnered 10%, with the remaining candidates in single digits.
The poll, released on Thursday, coincided with Buttigieg’s arrival in New Hampshire to support Democratic candidates for this year’s midterm elections. When asked about a recent Fox News Digital investigation, he stated, “I’m not on the ballot right now.”
The 2028 race for the White House is already heating up.
Buttigieg, who closely trailed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders during the New Hampshire Democratic primary in 2020, commented on his friendly relations in the state, saying it’s understandable that his campaign would be welcomed.
This visit marks Buttigieg’s third stop in a crucial early voting state since leaving his cabinet position at the end of Biden’s presidency, following visits to South Carolina and Iowa last year. Although he’s largely downplayed discussions about 2028, he did reflect on considerations for a potential re-election bid.
Beginning a three-day campaign in important battleground regions of New England, Buttigieg is accompanying Representative Chris Pappas, the leading candidate for the Democratic Senate nomination to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Shaheen’s position is a major Republican target in the upcoming midterms.
Later on Thursday, Buttigieg also met with another New Hampshire Democratic congressman, Rep. Maggie Goodlander. More events are planned for the following days, including one designed to mobilize grassroots supporters from Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign.
Next week, Buttigieg is set to visit Nevada, with additional campaign stops in Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania expected in the coming weeks. He expressed a belief in engaging with various communities, stating, “Some places are well-known on the political map, and some are a little off the beaten path. They’re all worthy of attention.”
Buzz around Newsom Grows as He Prepares for New Hampshire Visit
Gavin Newsom’s upcoming book tour will bring him to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on March 5, marking his first return to the state in two years. His recent appearance at the Munich Security Conference has also garnered attention, being one of the few Democratic candidates to participate in such a prominent forum.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez is facing scrutiny after a recent panel discussion at the same conference, where she awkwardly pondered whether the U.S. should deploy troops to safeguard Taiwan from a potential Chinese invasion. This led to widespread criticism, not only from Republicans but also from Democratic circles, highlighting doubts about her readiness for high-stakes political discussions.
One anonymous Democratic strategist remarked that Ocasio-Cortez’s comments made it “abundantly clear that AOC is not ready for prime time.”
