
Pete Buttigieg leads Democratic primary candidates in crucial New Hampshire poll
Pete Buttigieg leads Democratic primary candidates in crucial New Hampshire poll
- Recent polling in New Hampshire shows Pete Buttigieg leading potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
- The significance of early polls is rising as contenders emerge, with various candidates like Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the mix.
- With the New Hampshire primary being a crucial early contest, the results of these polls could have lasting implications for the Democratic race.
Story
In New Hampshire, early polling indicates that Pete Buttigieg, serving as transportation secretary in former President Joe Biden's administration, is leading potential candidates for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. The Saint Anselm College Survey Center's recent poll reveals Buttigieg garnered 29 percent support among surveyed Democratic voters, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez trailing at 15 percent and 10 percent respectively. Former Vice President Kamala Harris received 6 percent, while 11 percent of respondents remain undecided. Two polls conducted this week reinforce Buttigieg's strong position in New Hampshire, particularly ahead of the upcoming primaries. A separate Center Square Voters' Voice Poll indicated Harris leading with 31 percent in a broader Democratic field, with Newsom and Buttigieg trailing behind. Significant uncertainty remains as approximately 18 percent of polled individuals expressed indecision regarding which candidate they would support in the primary. Political analysts have noted the importance of these early polls as potential contenders for the 2028 election emerge. Grant Davis Reeher, a political science professor, commented that it is not surprising for Harris to show strength in the polls, considering her previous role as the nominee in 2024. However, Reeher expressed doubts about her ability to effectively lead the party, a sentiment echoed by various party insiders. The New Hampshire primary holds significant weight as it is the first-in-the-nation contest, established by state law requiring it to occur at least seven days before any similar individual state election. As New Hampshire retains its pivotal role, the political landscape may continue to evolve with new candidates entering the fray, potentially complicating the race. The attention and momentum garnered from polling in New Hampshire will likely influence the dynamics of the Democratic primary as it unfolds.