LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Although some Americans still struggle to pronounce his last name, and critics argue his tenure as President Biden’s Transportation Secretary lacked major accomplishments, Pete Buttigieg is nonetheless emerging as the early frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

According to a new Emerson College poll, Buttigieg, who has a home in Michigan with his husband Chasten and their two adopted children, is polling at 16% support among likely Democratic primary voters, placing him ahead of Kamala Harris (13%) and Gavin Newsom (12%).

Whitmer gets the cold shoulder.

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Meanwhile, Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is polling like she wandered into the race by accident. She’s only polling at 3%, just enough to tie with U.S. Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey. For someone who’s been floated as a rising Democratic star, Whitmer doesn’t appear to have any “Big Gretch” momentum.

Even Independent progressive Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont outperformed Whitmer in the survey, garnering 5% support. If elected in the general presidential election, Sanders would be 91 years old by the end of his presidential term on January 20, 2033.

The leading “candidate” among Democrats in the poll? Undecided voters, racking up 23%.

Vance dominates on the GOP side.

While Democrats squabble over who gets the participation trophy, Republicans have a runaway favorite: J.D. Vance. The former Ohio senator and current Vice President is dominating the GOP primary poll with 46%, leaving Marco Rubio (12%) and Ron DeSantis (9%) in the dust. Even RFK Jr. – who’s polling at 5% as a Republican in the poll – is outperforming many Democrat hopefuls.

And for presidential hopefuls aiming to resonate with voters, the survey identified the top current issues as the economy (32%), threats to democracy (22%), and immigration (14%).

Michigan’s influence fading?

With Buttigieg leading the pack with a paltry 16% and Whitmer barely registering, Michigan’s role in the 2028 Democratic presidential field feels more symbolic than significant – for now. There’s still plenty of track ahead, but if either hopes to stay in the race, it might be time for them to shift gears and pick up speed.