Pete Buttigieg is the early leader in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, according to a new Emerson College Polling survey that shows the former Biden-era Transportation Department secretary narrowly ahead of other potential candidates.
Buttigieg, who was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020, is supported by 16 percent of Democratic primary voters in the poll, conducted June 24–25.
Former Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, once seen as the likely frontrunner, placed second with 13 percent, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 12 percent. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) were each backed by 7 percent. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) received 5 percent, and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) was at 3 percent….