SHAH ALAM – Progressive Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has taken an early lead in the race for the Democratic Party's 2028 presidential nomination, topping a closely watched poll in the politically influential state of New Hampshire for the first time.
The New York congresswoman, popularly known as AOC, received 22 per cent support among likely Democratic primary voters in a University of New Hampshire (UNH) poll released on Wednesday, narrowly ahead of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who secured 21 per cent.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly followed with nine per cent, California Governor Gavin Newsom received eight per cent, while veteran progressive Senator Bernie Sanders polled at six per cent. Former vice-president Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee defeated by President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, garnered five per cent.
Although the 2028 presidential election is still more than two years away, the survey is being closely watched because New Hampshire traditionally hosts one of the first presidential primary contests in the United States. A strong showing there often helps build momentum, media attention and donor support for candidates hoping to secure their party's nomination.
The latest poll also marks the first time Ocasio-Cortez has overtaken Buttigieg in the UNH survey. Earlier polls conducted in February and October last year had placed Buttigieg in the lead, with AOC trailing in second place.
While Ocasio-Cortez has not officially declared that she will run for president, she has done little to dismiss the speculation.
In an interview with Politico earlier this month, the 36-year-old said she could not rule out a White House bid when asked about the possibility of running in 2028.
Asked about her latest polling success, Ocasio-Cortez said she was grateful for the public support but remained focused on serving the country.
"Well, I feel very deeply flattered and humbled. I don't want to discount how supportive people have been. It genuinely is very meaningful.
"We also want to make sure that we're making decisions that put the country first. So I'm just thankful for the support," she told reporters.
Ocasio-Cortez has become one of the Democratic Party's most recognisable figures since her surprise election to Congress in 2018.
Known for championing progressive policies such as universal healthcare, stronger climate action, affordable housing and workers' rights, she has built a large following among younger voters and progressives, while also becoming one of the Republican Party's most frequent political targets.
According to the UNH Survey Center, much of her support comes from self-described progressives and democratic socialists, while Buttigieg attracts a broader coalition of moderate, liberal and progressive Democrats.
Political speculation around Ocasio-Cortez has intensified in recent months as she campaigns for progressive candidates ahead of November's midterm elections.
She recently endorsed Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while members of the Democratic Socialists of America have reportedly begun discussing whether to back a potential Ocasio-Cortez presidential campaign.
Her growing influence has also drawn attention from across the political aisle.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is widely viewed as a potential Republican presidential contender in 2028, recently predicted that Ocasio-Cortez could emerge as the Democratic Party's eventual nominee.
Responding to the remark, Ocasio-Cortez joked that she hoped Vance would also become his party's nominee.
Her rise has also been reflected in other national surveys. An Emerson College poll released this month placed Buttigieg in first place nationally, with Ocasio-Cortez, Newsom and Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff close behind.
The UNH poll surveyed 596 likely Democratic primary voters between July 15 and July 20.
For now, Ocasio-Cortez remains undeclared, but her first-place finish in one of America's most influential early-voting states is likely to fuel further speculation that the Democratic Party's progressive star could be preparing for a White House bid in 2028.