Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has, once again, emerged as the early frontrunner in a recent poll examining the field of potential 2028 Democratic Presidential nominees.
The poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) as part of its Granite State Poll, offers an initial glimpse into the preferences of voters in one of the nation’s earliest primary states.
The UNH survey was conducted last week and included just over 1,500 respondents in the crucial swing state of New Hampshire.
The results placed Buttigieg in the lead among a competitive field of high-profile Democrats:
| Potential 2028 Nominee | Poll Percentage (NH Voters) |
| Pete Buttigieg | 19% |
| Gavin Newsom | 15% |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | 14% |
| Kamala Harris | 11% |
With the 2028 election less than three years away, these early results carry significant weight.
Buttigieg’s performance in this poll is particularly notable given his strong history in the state during the 2020 primary, where he finished second.
A strong lead in New Hampshire—an early-voting state that often plays a disproportionate role in setting campaign narratives—signals that Buttigieg remains a highly viable and recognized figure among the party’s base.
His current performance suggests he maintains a strong connection with the moderate and liberal voters who tend to participate in the state’s primary.
