It’s still 2025, but the Democratic gaze has already shifted toward 2028 — and it’s looking mighty queer.
Pete Buttigieg, the openly gay former Transportation Secretary who already made history as the first LGBTQ+ cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, is now leading a new poll of potential Democratic presidential nominees. According to fresh numbers, Buttigieg snagged 16% of support, narrowly beating out Vice President Kamala Harris, who polled at 13%. California’s perfectly coiffed Governor Gavin Newsom came in at 12%, while progressive darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro split 7% each. But let’s not forget — a whopping 23% of voters still shrugged and said, “Undecided.”
Still, if trends continue, the Democratic Party could be gearing up for a historic — and fabulously queer — moment. Buttigieg isn’t just polling well; he’s polling in first. That’s no small feat for a former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who once struggled to gain traction with voters of color during his 2020 presidential bid. Now, he’s polling ahead of the sitting VP — and that’s no gay pipe dream.
The Rainbow Elephant in the Room
If Buttigieg secures the nomination, he won’t just be breaking barriers — he’ll be smashing them with a rainbow sledgehammer. The symbolism of an openly gay man rising to the top of a major party’s ticket cannot be overstated. For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans were barely acknowledged in the political arena, let alone taken seriously as contenders for the highest office in the land. Now? “Mayor Pete” could become “President Pete.”
It would send a thunderous message to young queer folks — especially those growing up in red states or under fire from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation — that not only is there a place for them in America, but there’s a place for them at the very top. Representation isn’t just a buzzword when the leader of the free world is openly gay and married to his husband, Chasten.
Meanwhile, Over on Team GOP…
The same poll showed Republicans aren’t exactly riding the same diversity train. Vice President JD Vance is dominating the GOP field with 46% support, while Florida’s Marco Rubio limps behind with just 12%. That’s a lot of angry white dude energy — and none of it comes with a Pride flag.
In another twist, former president Donald Trump is starting to lose ground, registering a rare negative approval rating. That sound you hear? It’s the collective exhale of exhausted queers across the nation.
A Signal of Hope for Queer America
Buttigieg’s polling bump isn’t just a political data point — it’s a cultural moment. For many LGBTQ+ Americans, especially those still reeling from years of legislative assaults, state-level bans, and cultural scapegoating, the idea of a gay man in the White House is a much-needed glimmer of hope. A rainbow in the storm.
And let’s be real — queer folks know how to throw an inauguration. If Pete makes it to the big stage in 2028, expect drag brunch on the National Mall, “Born This Way” blasting through DC, and more sequins than a Met Gala.
President Pete? We’re ready.