In a recent survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire, Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation, has emerged as the frontrunner among Democratic presidential hopefuls for the 2028 election in New Hampshire.

The Granite State Poll revealed that 19 percent of participants support Buttigieg, who previously competed in the 2020 Democratic primary and later served in President Biden’s cabinet. Trailing him is California Governor Gavin Newsom, who garnered 15 percent of the vote.

The Democratic Party is currently embroiled in a vigorous debate over its future direction following the tumultuous 2024 election. This election saw President Biden withdraw after a poor debate showing, assassination attempts against President Trump, and former Vice President Kamala Harris entering the race unexpectedly.

Kamala Harris, now a potential contender for 2028, received 11 percent support among New Hampshire Democrats.

Within the party, there’s a division as progressive Democrats advocate for a shift towards more left-leaning policies, while centrists argue that the party’s left-wing is responsible for recent electoral setbacks.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a notable member of the Democratic left flank who garnered 14 percent in the New Hampshire poll, has recently positioned herself as a leading figure among her party.

Over the last year, Ocasio-Cortez has been on the road with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) as part of the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which has aimed to rally Democrats.

The University of New Hampshire poll took place from Oct. 16 to 21, featuring 1,547 New Hampshire residents and a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Likely 2028 Democratic presidential primary voters in the poll totaled 602, with their own margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.