Poll Reveals Top Democrats for 2028 Presidential Run

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Former Biden Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Current polling indicates former Vice President Kamala Harris leads with 32 percent, followed by Buttigieg at 10 percent, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) at 8 percent, and then California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Democratic Party has faced internal discord following recent electoral losses, which has significantly impacted party unity.

Pete Buttigieg speaks during a town hall

Buttigieg discussed his potential presidential run, claiming he assesses the office's requirements and considers what distinguishes him from other candidates. “I'm using my voice best I can in traditional media and new media, and I'm going to continue having conversations with neighbors, with voters, talking about how we could have a better way," he said.

Pete Buttigieg in South Bend

Buttigieg added, "I don't know what that means for me, politically or professionally, a long way from making any decisions about that, but I know that's what I need to be doing right now.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris

Recent polling provides insight into the 2028 Democratic landscape. An Echelon Insights poll among 1,000 likely voters shows Harris leading with 32 percent, while Buttigieg holds 10 percent, and Ocasio-Cortez follows with 8 percent.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Democratic National Convention

A McLaughlin and Associates poll of 1,000 general election voters shows Buttigieg with 6 percent support, while Harris has 30 percent. Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez each receive 8 percent, and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker holds 7 percent.

Sean Duffy in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy wrote, "We’ve achieved more in 100 days than Buttigieg and Biden achieved in 4 years. Pete appears unburdened by no longer being a Cabinet secretary. Not one word on transportation or infrastructure because he got nothing done. @POTUS and I will continue the work of ripping out the Green New Scam and DEI for the American people!"

Pete Buttigieg in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

In contrast, an AtlasIntel poll of 2,347 participants shows Buttigieg leading with 27.7 percent and a margin of error of 2 percent. Harris follows closely with 24.1 percent, and Ocasio-Cortez has 15.9 percent.

Pete Buttigieg speaks in Detroit, Michigan

Buttigieg wrote, "To be effective, our opposition to today's abuses must run alongside a clear picture of what we are actually for - and how everyday life could be better with different leadership."

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.