AOC Edges Buttigieg to Lead Early 2028 Democrat Field in New Hampshire Poll

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez holds a narrow one-point advantage over former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg among likely Democrat primary voters in New Hampshire, placing her at the front of an unsettled field.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has moved to the top of a potential Democrat presidential field in New Hampshire, narrowly surpassing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in one of the nation’s earliest presidential primary states.

Ocasio-Cortez received 22% support in the latest Granite State Poll, while Buttigieg followed closely with 21%. The one-point difference places the New York Democrat in the lead but also shows that no prospective candidate has established commanding control over the emerging field.

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona finished a distant third with 9%, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 8%. The remaining potential candidates tested in the survey received lower levels of support, leaving Ocasio-Cortez and Buttigieg as the only contenders above 20%.

New Hampshire’s position near the beginning of the presidential nominating calendar gives polling in the state added political significance. A strong showing there can provide a candidate with national attention, fundraising momentum and organizational credibility heading into later contests.

An early victory by Ocasio-Cortez could substantially strengthen her position in a broader fight for the Democratic nomination. Her support also reflects the increasing influence of democratic socialist candidates and activists within the party, particularly among younger voters and those dissatisfied with its traditional leadership.

Buttigieg remains within striking distance and brings experience from his 2020 presidential campaign and service in the Biden administration. Kelly and Newsom, meanwhile, would need to make considerable gains to close the gap measured in the New Hampshire survey.

The poll offers an early snapshot rather than a settled forecast, with the next presidential campaign still far from formally underway. It nevertheless suggests that Ocasio-Cortez could enter the race as a serious national contender and that the Democratic nomination may feature a close competition between the party’s progressive and establishment wings.