DNC Approves Early-Primary Framework; Buttigieg Leads Polls

The DNC’s rules and bylaws committee approved an early-primary framework that gives states until Jan. 16 to submit plans for four to five contests in an early window ahead of Super Tuesday and requires geographic representation from all four regions. New Hampshire’s University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll puts former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg atop the early Democratic field with 19%, followed by Gavin Newsom (15%), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (14%), Kamala Harris (11%) and Bernie Sanders (8%); on the Republican side Vice President J.D. Vance leads with about 51%. Other New England surveys show some variation — Newsom, Ocasio‑Cortez and Buttigieg trade places in Maine and Vermont — underscoring shifting, volatile early dynamics. Analysts caution these are very early snapshots that may not predict 2028 outcomes and note New Hampshire’s demographic skew (about 89% white) can distort who looks strong there even as the state retains outsized media influence and legal first‑in‑the‑nation status. Separately, President Donald Trump said he hasn’t ruled out running for a third term while commenting on the evolving field.