Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tops the early list of potential 2028 Democrat presidential contenders in a new University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll, underscoring the scramble already underway inside a party searching for its next standard-bearer.
According to the survey, 20% of likely Democrat primary voters in New Hampshire said they would support Buttigieg if the 2028 nomination contest were held today.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tied for second at 15%.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ 2024 nominee, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) followed at 10% each.
All other potential contenders registered in single digits.
The poll was released just hours before Buttigieg arrived in New Hampshire, historically the first-in-the-nation primary state, to campaign for Democrats ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
Buttigieg Downplays 2028 Talk, for Now
Asked about the survey, Buttigieg responded cautiously:
“I’m not on any ballot right now.”
He added:
“Obviously, it feels good to be well received.”
Buttigieg built strong relationships in the Granite State during his failed 2020 presidential run, finishing a close second behind Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in the New Hampshire primary.
His latest visit marks his third stop in an early-voting state since stepping down as transportation secretary at the end of former President Joe Biden’s administration.
He previously traveled to South Carolina and Iowa, both critical states in the Democratic Party nominating calendar.
While avoiding direct 2028 speculation, Buttigieg has said he would consider what he brings “to the table” regarding a future White House bid.
Active on the Campaign Trail
During his New Hampshire swing, Buttigieg campaigned with Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), the frontrunner for the Democrat Senate nomination to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Shaheen’s seat is viewed as a top GOP target in the upcoming midterms.
He also appeared alongside Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and is scheduled to participate in additional grassroots events in the state, including gatherings expected to draw supporters from his 2020 campaign.
Next week, Buttigieg heads to the battleground of Nevada.
He also plans to campaign in Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.
“I’m a big believer in going everywhere across the media landscape and geographically,” Buttigieg said.
“Some are well-known places on the political map.
“Some are a little bit off the beaten path.
“All of them deserve attention.”
Newsom and AOC Position Themselves
Meanwhile, Newsom is also slated to visit New Hampshire, with a March 5 stop in Portsmouth as part of a tour promoting his new book, “Young Man in a Hurry.”
It will mark his first appearance in the state in two years.
The California governor recently spoke at the Munich Security Conference, joining a handful of Democrats widely viewed as potential 2028 contenders.
Ocasio-Cortez also attended the conference but drew criticism following a panel discussion in which she appeared to hesitate for nearly 20 seconds when asked whether the United States should send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.
She ultimately provided a word salad response that left world leaders and foreign policy experts scratching their heads.
Her remarks prompted sharp criticism on social media, with critics questioning her readiness for higher office.
Some Democrats have also argued that the episode highlighted concerns about whether she is prepared for a national campaign.
An Early Snapshot, Not a Final Verdict
While the 2028 election remains over two and a half years away, the early polling in New Hampshire offers a snapshot of where Democrat voters in a critical primary state currently stand.
With President Donald Trump serving his second term and Republicans unified behind an assertive America-first agenda, Democrats appear to be entering a wide-open contest to determine who will lead their party next.
For now, Buttigieg holds the edge in the Granite State, but the race to define the Democratic Party’s future is only beginning.
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