Pete Buttigieg emerges as early favorite for 2028 Democratic nomination

Pete Buttigieg is leading the field of potential Democratic presidential contenders for 2028, according to a new national poll.The latest Emerson College Polling survey, released this week, found Buttigieg at 18 percent support among Democratic primary voters, narrowly ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 16 percent. New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez followed at 11 percent, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and former Vice President Kamala Harris each received 10 percent. Another 18 percent of voters said they remain undecided.The results offer an early snapshot of a Democratic Party still searching for its next national leader. No candidate commands broad support, and the field remains remarkably fluid. But Buttigieg's position atop the poll marks the latest sign that the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and Biden transportation secretary has successfully translated the historic breakthrough of his 2020 campaign into lasting influence within the party.Related: Pete Buttigieg hints at 2028 presidential run: ‘Save me a seat’ Six years ago, Buttigieg became the first out gay candidate to win a presidential nominating contest when he prevailed in the Iowa caucuses. At the time, his candidacy was questioned as a test of whether an LGBTQ+ candidate could compete nationally.The poll suggests Buttigieg has benefited as Democrats continue to sort through competing visions for the party's future.Newsom has emerged as one of the most visible Democratic critics of President Donald Trump's second administration, frequently appearing on conservative media and giving national television interviews to sharpen his profile. Ocasio-Cortez has drawn large crowds alongside U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders during their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. Shapiro has gained attention as a pragmatic governor in a crucial swing state, while Harris remains a nationally recognized figure after serving as vice president.Yet none has broken away from the pack. The Emerson survey found tha