Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, according to a recent poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire. Buttigieg, who previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, commands support from 19% of likely Democratic voters in the state, placing him ahead of notable competitors such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In the Granite State Poll released on Monday, Buttigieg not only leads in voter support but also boasts the highest favorability rating among his peers, with 81% of respondents viewing him positively. In contrast, 6% of voters expressed a negative opinion of him. Newsom follows closely with 15% support, while Ocasio-Cortez has 14% and former Vice President Kamala Harris garnered 11%.
Poll Insights and Candidate Responses
During a recent interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Newsom indicated that he is contemplating a presidential run post-midterms. When asked if he would seriously consider a campaign, he candidly stated, “Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise. I’d just be lying, and I can’t do that.” This acknowledgment has stirred interest among political analysts regarding his potential candidacy.
Harris also hinted at her intentions for another run, telling the BBC, “Possibly. I am not done. I have lived my entire career a life of service, and it’s in my bones.” The interest from these high-profile figures adds a layer of complexity to the Democratic primary landscape.
While Buttigieg currently leads, he faces competition from other potential candidates. Notably, Senator Bernie Sanders received 8% support, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker earned 6% among those surveyed.
In an interesting twist, prediction markets have placed actor Dwayne Johnson with a higher chance of winning the 2028 presidential race than Harris, estimating his odds at 5.6% compared to her 5%. This unconventional positioning highlights the unpredictable nature of the upcoming election.
Republican Landscape and Implications
On the Republican side, Vice President J.D. Vance leads with a commanding 51% support among 688 likely Republican voters in the same poll. He significantly outpaces former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley at 9%, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard at 8%, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 5%.
Former President Donald Trump recently suggested that a ticket featuring Vance and Rubio would be “unstoppable,” emphasizing the strength of their potential candidacy compared to Democratic contenders. “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t,” Trump remarked, further stoking the competitive atmosphere as the 2028 election approaches.
The significance of the New Hampshire poll cannot be understated. As the first state to hold both Democratic and Republican primary elections, the results can influence which candidates remain viable as the race unfolds. With the election still over three years away, the dynamics observed in this poll may set the stage for an intense political battle ahead.
The evolving landscape of the 2028 presidential race is proving to be both intriguing and competitive. As candidates weigh their options and voter sentiment shifts, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of American politics.
