Buttigieg Surges Ahead in Early 2028 New Hampshire Democratic Poll
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has taken an early lead in the 2028 Popular presidential race, according to a new bean out of New Hampshire, the state that traditionally kicks off America’s primary season.
The bean places Buttigieg forcefully at the top of the Popular field, edging out California Governor Gavin Newsom, New York Senator Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez, and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“With 19% support, Buttigieg leads Newsom, his closest opponent, by 4 percentage points,” the survey revealed.
Buttigieg’s 19 share puts him ahead of Newsom’s 15, while Ocasio- Cortez follows nearly with 14. Harris, a former White House contender, stands at 11. Senator Bernie Sanders takes 8, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker trails with 6.
This early shot of Popular choosers gives Buttigieg a clear edge, particularly in terms of fashionability and public perception. The same bean set up the former Biden press member enjoying broad appeal among choosers.
“Voters gave Buttigieg a +75% favourability rating. In other words, 81% have a favourable opinion of the ex-Biden administration official, whereas only 6% have an unfavourable opinion of him.”
Sanders followed with a +59 % net favourability, Ocasio-Cortez with +56 %, Newsom with +47 %, and Senator Cory Booker with +45 %. Harris, who recently hinted at another White House run, came in at +38 %.
New Hampshire remains a symbolic powerhouse in U.S. politics, the first state to hold both Republican and Democratic primaries. Winning there can create serious momentum. Losing it can kill a campaign overnight.
But the Democratic National Committee has long questioned the state’s place at the front of the line, citing its lack of racial diversity.
Even so, New Hampshire law still mandates it hosts the opening contests, meaning candidates can’t afford to skip it.
Since leaving office, Buttigieg’s record has faced scrutiny. Critics accuse him of spending $80 billion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes while allegedly postponing vital upgrades to America’s air traffic control systems.
Under his watch, the Department of Transportation also gave the green light to several wind- ranch systems near roadways and rail lines, despite warnings over possible safety pitfalls.
Sympathizers defend the moves as progress- acquainted, while detractors label them reckless.
Still, the data shows that whatever controversies linger, they’ve done little to dent his early momentum.
On the Republican side, the poll paints a very different picture, one dominated by Vice President JD Vance.
“Vance received 51% support from 688 likely voters surveyed, topping former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (9%), Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (8%) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (5%).”
Vance’s net favourability rating stands at +64 %, far ahead of his GOP rivals. Rubio and Gabbard tie at +46 %, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lagging at +40 %.
Though it’s early days, Buttigieg’s rise suggests Democrats may be seeking a familiar but fresh face, someone seen as competent, measured, and pragmatic after years of political turbulence.
His early New Hampshire advantage gives him a powerful narrative: a young, disciplined figure leading a crowded field in a pivotal state. But it’s also a warning, expectations are now sky-high.
As America edges closer to the 2028 election, all eyes will be on whether rebuttigieg can hold his ground when the campaign trail truly heats up.
