In a hopeful sign of progress and possibility, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as a top contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, according to recent polling.
Photo Credit: @PeteButtigiegWith 16% of surveyed Democratic voters naming him as their first choice, Buttigieg edges out high-profile names like Vice President Kamala Harris (13%) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (12%). The poll, which also included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Cory Booker, places Buttigieg firmly in the lead for now—with nearly one in four Democratic voters still undecided.
RELATED: From a War Letter to a Wedding: Pete and Chasten Buttigieg’s Unlikely Love Story
If Buttigieg maintains momentum, he could make history as the first openly gay president of the United States—a momentous and symbolic milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in American politics.
For many, Buttigieg’s potential presidency is not only about breaking barriers but about the values, intelligence, and grounded leadership he brings to the table. Known for his calm demeanor, military service, and thoughtful policy proposals, Buttigieg has already made waves in American politics.
Chasten Buttigieg and the story of finding out the emergency adoption call they received back in 2021 was for newborn twins – then calling a certain Secretary who was literally in the air.
“Are you sitting down?” X2 🤣 pic.twitter.com/l7VNcYGzT2
— Pete Receipts (@PeteReceipts) May 8, 2025
His 2020 run for president may have started as an underdog campaign, but it quickly became one to watch. At just 38 years old, he became the youngest candidate in the race and stunned the nation by winning the most delegates in the Iowa caucuses and tying with Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire.
Amazing. In *two* minutes, Pete Buttigieg got Andrew Shulz to see why government research is necessary.
That is why these conversations matter. A lot of the hosts & audience would never hear a message like this one. But when they do, it makes sense. pic.twitter.com/GKtV3lYicw
— Victor Shi (@Victorshi2020) April 23, 2025
Throughout his political journey, Buttigieg has championed progressive and pragmatic policies. His platform has included support for universal background checks, action on climate change, abolition of the Electoral College, a public health insurance option, and federal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. His positions reflect both heart and strategy—something many voters see as essential in today’s divided political landscape.
Outside of the political arena, Buttigieg’s personal life has also captured the public’s attention. Married to educator and author Chasten Buttigieg, the couple are proud parents of adopted twins, Penelope and Joseph. Their interracial, same-sex family represents a beautiful slice of modern America—and their openness about parenting, challenges, and love has endeared them to many.
Chasten has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and families, penning a memoir about his journey and their shared life as a family. Together, they’ve become a beacon of what love, dedication, and compassion look like in public service.
While it’s too early to predict the 2028 race, one thing is clear: Pete Buttigieg’s rise signals a turning tide in American politics. A tide that embraces diversity, demands empathy, and hopes for leaders who not only look like the country they serve but live its values fully and proudly.
And maybe—just maybe—America is ready for a commander-in-chief who knows how to change diapers, negotiate infrastructure policy, and break barriers, all before bedtime.
REFERENCE: June Emerson College Polling Survey
He was a failure in South Bend, he was a failure as Transportation secretary. But because he is gay, lets vote for him! Can the Democrats actually put a worthy candidate forward for a change and stop with the identity, feelings candidates.
“Failure?” Rhodes scholar, speaks 7 languages, former Naval officer, and was a successful Transportation Secretary. Gay or not, that’s an impressive resume.
I certainly hope so….we desperately need him.