Pete Buttigieg outranked his boss, President Joe Biden, as democratic voters’ number one choice for presidential candidate.
Buttigieg made history by being the first out, gay cabinet member, and it appears voters want him to make history again. The pole was released last Wednesday by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Of those polled, 23% favored Pete Buttigieg. President Biden and Sen. Elizabeth Warren tied at 18% and Sen. Bernie Sanders came in fourth at 15%.
In that same poll, sixty-six percent of participants expressed that the President “probably” or “definitely” should not run for reelection. President Biden is expected to announce if he’s running in the 2024 presidential race following his State of the Union Speech on February 7.
As far as Buttigieg is concerned, the Secretary of Transportation has yet to confirm his place in the 2024 election. Buttigieg continues to keep his cards close to his chest, remaining vague in interviews.
“Who knows what the future is going to call me,” says Buttigieg in an interview with Vox regarding the 2024 presidential race.
A December Politico article stated that, “People close to Buttigieg say he’s in no hurry to run for office again, especially with two small children at home.”
Ambiguity aside, the Buttigieg has made appearances in New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Florida, and Minnesota on behalf of the administration’s “Building a Better America Tour.” Buttigieg did not hint at any campaign efforts during his tour. Yet, spectators not the fact that these are critical swing and early contest states.
Hopeful voters are also noting the presence of a political action committee called Win the Era. The committee has ultimately allowed Buttigieg to remain an influential figure in politics while in the presidential cabinet.
This committee has also been linked to the dark money group, Win The Era Action Fund. Dark money groups are used to influence elections without disclosing where the money is coming from. According to Politico, is not an uncommon step for candidates gearing up to announce their bid.
That being said, Buttigieg remains tight lipped and in the public eye. All that remains for the Democratic party is to wait and see.
