Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is gaining attention as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race. Analysts like Colin Reed and Richard Fowler discuss her growing influence as she visits states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, and Montana. Fowler notes her skill in rallying supporters, enhancing her leadership prospects.
A recent University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll shows Ocasio-Cortez leading with 22% support among Democratic primary voters. She surpasses Pete Buttigieg by one point and holds a 17-point lead over Kamala Harris. Her support has increased by seven points since February, highlighting her growing popularity in early battleground states.
Although Ocasio-Cortez remains reserved about her future political plans, she has not dismissed the idea of running for president or challenging Sen. Chuck Schumer for the Senate. Her priority, she states, is to “change the country.” Meanwhile, Buttigieg continues building nationwide support, and speculation about his 2028 candidacy intensifies.
Poll results reveal varied levels of support across the political spectrum. Nearly half of socialists and a third of progressives back Ocasio-Cortez, while Buttigieg finds favor among liberals and moderates.
Other potential Democratic contenders include Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who stands at nine percent, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom trails close behind. Sen. Bernie Sanders, although humorously dismissing another presidential run, garners six percent support. Kamala Harris, the former vice president, sees her support drop to five percent in the latest poll, despite leading national polls for the hypothetical 2028 nomination.
Polls at this stage often reflect candidates’ name recognition. New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary status changed after the Democrats reshaped their nominating calendar in 2024, moving South Carolina to the forefront. The Democratic National Committee is expected to propose a new calendar for 2028 soon.
In contrast, Republican primary voters in New Hampshire currently favor Vice President JD Vance at 36%, followed by Marco Rubio at 26%. Other notable Republicans like Rand Paul and Nikki Haley feature prominently, alongside figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.