Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is off to a strong start in the race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. A new Granite State Poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows Buttigieg leading the Democratic field with 19% support among likely primary voters. California Governor Gavin Newsom follows at 15%, with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez close behind at 14%.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris earned 11%, Senator Bernie Sanders 8%, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker 6%. Ten percent of voters remain undecided. Buttigieg also topped the favorability rankings, with 81% of respondents viewing him positively—higher than Sanders at 72% and Ocasio-Cortez at 66%. His strongest backing came from voters identifying as “Liberal,” as well as women and registered Democrats. On the Republican side, Senator JD Vance dominated with 51% support, followed by former Governor Nikki Haley at 9%. The survey polled 1,547 residents between October 16 and 21.
