Pete Buttigieg Tops Early 2028 Democratic Poll, Kamala Harris Slips
A new poll suggests Democrats are still searching for a clear frontrunner.
The race to lead the Democrats into 2028 is already heating up, and one familiar name has taken the early lead. According to a June poll from Emerson College, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is currently the top pick among likely Democratic primary voters.
Buttigieg, who ran in 2020 and later served in President Joe Biden’s cabinet, holds 16 per cent support. Vice President Kamala Harris follows at 13 per cent, with California Governor Gavin Newsom close behind at 12 per cent.
Other figures polling in the single digits include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both at 7 per cent. Senator Bernie Sanders (an independent) clocks in at 5 per cent, and Senator Cory Booker trails with 3 per cent. Still, 23 per cent of voters remain undecided, showing just how open the field remains.
Buttigieg’s comeback is catching attention.
Just seven months ago, Harris led the same poll with 37 per cent support. Buttigieg, meanwhile, has steadily grown his public profile, balancing serious policy chops with a more personal, conversational tone in media appearances.
He recently joined Flagrant podcast hosts to talk about life as a father, his military service, and the emotional weight of politics. It’s a shift that seems designed to appeal to a younger, culturally aware voter base, one that values relatability as much as experience.
In June, Buttigieg also took a firm stance against the federal detention of California Senator Alex Padilla, who was handcuffed during a press event after questioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident sparked outrage and drew widespread media coverage, and Buttigieg’s response was among the most widely shared.
Why didn’t he run in Michigan?
Earlier this year, he passed on several statewide opportunities in Michigan, citing his desire to prioritise family life with his husband Chasten and their two young kids. But to many political insiders, that decision only strengthened the idea that he’s quietly gearing up for something bigger: a second presidential bid.
The Republican side looks more settled.
On the GOP front, Vice President JD Vance leads with a commanding 46 per cent of support from Republican primary voters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sits at 12 per cent, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 9 per cent, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 5 per cent.
Though Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from running again, he’s reportedly floated the idea of a third term, creating ongoing chatter among his base.
According to Emerson’s broader numbers, the 2028 election is shaping up to be tight. A generic ballot shows an even split: 42 per cent of voters support a Democrat, 42 per cent back a Republican, and 16 per cent remain undecided.
Among independents, Democrats are slightly ahead, but over a third say they haven’t made up their minds.
What matters most to voters?
The economy is still the top concern, with 32 per cent of respondents ranking it highest. That’s followed by threats to democracy at 22 per cent and immigration at 14 per cent.
