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

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…

rural voters in nh will face new barriers to voting by mail
Close up of hands showing I voted by mail sticker with USA flag as background. (Westock Productions/Shutterstock)

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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

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Colin Booth
Colin Booth Chief Political Correspondent
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