We asked, you answered: Who should be president in 2028?

Close up of hands showing I voted by mail sticker with USA flag as background. (Westock Productions/Shutterstock)

By Katy Savage

December 4, 2025

A version of this story appeared in the Granite Post’s newsletter. Subscribe here.

The 2028 presidential race may feel far off, but early polls are already taking shape.

A new University of New Hampshire poll shows former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leading the Democratic field with 19% support, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (15%) and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (14%). Former Vice President and 2024 nominee Kamala Harris trails at 11%. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance holds a strong lead at 51%, with Nikki Haley (9%) and Tulsi Gabbard (8%) rounding out the top contenders.

This week, we asked readers: If you had to vote today, who would you pick for president in 2028? Here’s what they had to say…

“Bernie Sanders.” — Sean Kerwin

“J.D. Vance.” — Scott Black

“Pete Buttigieg! No really means new opportunities. Always be positive!” — Cherie Corbett

“I would pick Gavin Newsom. He is young and he is smart. I believe he cares about the nation and its people. And doesn’t seem to take crump from other politicians.” — Deborah Manning

“Corey Booker” — Robin Thomas

“Definitely Pete B.” — Margaret Prolman

“Anyone who is not a Republican.” — Joyce Hurd

“Mark Kelly has the internal discipline and the courage to lead this country where it needs to go.” — George C. Bradley

“Josh Shapiro.” — Tom Chew

“Marco Rubio.” — Joe Vogelsang

“I think that both Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom are both very worthy candidates, being intelligent, well spoken and well informed. However, I think that some people (not me!) would be biased because of Pete being gay. So I feel that Gavin Newsom would have a better chance at winning.” — Lynda Williams

Author

Katy Savage

Katy Savage is the Granite Post's newsletter editor. Katy is an award-winning reporter with more than 10 years of experience working in daily, weekly, and digital news organizations as both an editor and reporter. Katy is a New England native and has a passion for telling stories about where she grew up.

Have a story tip? Reach Katy at [email protected]. For local reporting in New Hampshire that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Katy's newsletter.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL CULTURE

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