A newly released University of New Hampshire survey positions former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as the front-runner in the early Democratic race for the 2028 presidential nomination. Buttigieg leads with 19% support, followed by Governor Gavin Newsom at 15%, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 14%, and former Vice President Kamala Harris at 11%.
The poll, conducted among 596 likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire, also shows Buttigieg with the highest favorability rating in the field at +75%. This early momentum places him ahead of several more established figures, suggesting his campaign is gaining traction in the Granite State.
Observers say the results underscore both Buttigieg’s growing appeal and the open nature of the Democratic field more than two years ahead of next presidential election.