Who Might Run for President in 2028?

"The shadow campaign for the 2028 presidential election is in full swing, with no shortage of signs that likely candidates are preparing to run. The Democratic field is expected to be wide open, and ambitious party figures are dropping into the states expected to vote early on the primary calendar, cozying up to key groups of voters and hitting the podcast circuit. Republicans have been more circumspect because President Trump is still in office, but speculation is rife about Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio."

"Even if both men run, others are likely to challenge them. (While Mr. Trump has sometimes mused out loud about the idea of a third term, the Constitution forbids it.) Each presidential cycle, campaign kickoffs get earlier and earlier which means we may see a flurry of announcements sometime after the November midterm elections through the first months of 2027. Here's an early look at people who have been floated as potential candidates, or who have taken steps consistent with testing the waters."

"Vice President JD Vance has positioned himself as the political heir to Mr. Trump since the moment he was named to the Republican presidential ticket in 2024. Whether their party's voters will see him as such remains to be seen. Among Democrats, former Vice President Kamala Harris has the biggest name and the largest social media presence. She also has the deepest relationship with Black voters, who have swung the party's last three competitive presidential primary races."

"But many Democrats are eager to move past Ms. Harris's 2024 defeat and would prefer a candidate without such direct ties to former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. after his disastrous re-election bid. Beyond Mr. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ran for president in 2016, has the highest profile of anyone in the cabinet and is widely seen as the vice president's top rival if"

A shadow campaign for the 2028 presidential election is underway, with potential candidates preparing for an open Democratic field and a more cautious Republican field while President Trump remains in office. Democratic hopefuls are expected to move early in primary states, build relationships with key voter groups, and appear on podcast platforms. Republican speculation centers on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though additional challengers are likely even if both run. The Constitution prevents a third presidential term for Trump. Campaign kickoffs are occurring earlier each cycle, suggesting announcements may follow the November midterm elections through early 2027. Early potential candidates include Vance and Kamala Harris, with Harris having strong name recognition and ties to Black voters, while some Democrats seek a break from Biden-era connections.

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