The 2024 election is barely in the rearview mirror, but the political engine never really stops. Honestly, if you look at the current moves being made in Washington and various state capitals, the race for the next cycle has already begun. People are already whispering about potential presidential candidates 2028 because, in American politics, the "shadow campaign" is where the real groundwork happens.
Trump is back in the White House, but the 22nd Amendment says he’s done after this. That creates a massive vacuum.
On the Republican side, you have a sitting Vice President who basically has the pole position. For the Democrats, it’s a wide-open scramble to find a new identity. Some people want a fresh face from the Midwest. Others are looking at the heavy hitters in California or Pennsylvania.
The Republican Frontrunners: JD Vance and the MAGA Successors
It is hard to talk about potential presidential candidates 2028 without starting with JD Vance. He’s the incumbent VP. That gives him the bully pulpit and, more importantly, the fundraising list. A University of New Hampshire poll from October 2025 showed him with 51% support among likely GOP primary voters. That’s a massive head start.
But he isn't the only one.
Marco Rubio is now Secretary of State. That is a prime spot for building international gravitas. Then you've got the Florida factor. Ron DeSantis is still there, even if his 2024 run felt like a bit of a dud to some. You also can’t ignore names like Sarah Huckabee Sanders or even Tulsi Gabbard, who has become a massive favorite in the new GOP coalition.
- JD Vance: The clear heir apparent with the strongest tie to the base.
- Marco Rubio: Using the State Department to build a "statesman" resume.
- Ron DeSantis: Still popular with donors, though he needs a second act.
- Tulsi Gabbard: A wildcard who appeals to the "anti-establishment" wing.
Donald Trump Jr. is also frequently mentioned in polling. While he hasn't held office, his influence over the party’s grassroots is undeniable. Some polls even put him as the second choice behind Vance. It’s a family business now, basically.
The Democratic Scramble: Newsom, Shapiro, and the Governors
The Democrats are in a "soul-searching" phase. They lost the working class in 2024, and now they’re trying to figure out how to get them back.
Gavin Newsom is the name everyone knows. The California Governor is term-limited, so he has nothing to lose. He’s been touring the country, raising millions for his "Campaign for Democracy" PAC. In fact, he’s already told donors he’s "testing the waters" for 2028. He has the money. He has the hair. But does he have the appeal for the Rust Belt?
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That’s where Josh Shapiro comes in.
The Pennsylvania Governor is a rockstar in a state Democrats must win. He talks about "GSD"—Getting Stuff Done. People like that. He’s also releasing a memoir in February 2026, which is the classic "I’m running for President" move.
Other Key Democratic Names
- Pete Buttigieg: He’s everywhere. Fox News, podcasts, local town halls. He’s the party’s best communicator.
- Gretchen Whitmer: "Big Gretch" has a 63% approval rating in Michigan. She’s pragmatic and knows how to win over Trump voters.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: She represents the progressive fire. If the base wants a revolution, she’s the one.
- Wes Moore: The Maryland Governor is a rising star. He’s a veteran and a Rhodes Scholar. He’s been hiring former Kamala Harris staffers, which tells you everything you need to know.
Will Kamala Harris Run Again?
This is the awkward question no one wants to ask loudly. Harris is still a major figure. She has high name recognition and a lot of institutional support.
But history isn't kind to losing nominees.
She hasn't ruled it out, though. After the 2024 loss, she vowed to "stay in the fight." Some polls show her still leading among Democratic voters, but there’s a lot of "donor fatigue" there. If she runs, she’ll face a much tougher primary than she did in 2024.
The Wildcards and Celebrities
We live in an era where fame is a political currency.
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Stephen A. Smith has been making noise about potentially entering politics. Is it a joke? Maybe. But in a post-Trump world, you can’t ignore anyone with a massive microphone. Mark Cuban is another name that keeps popping up. He’s a billionaire who isn't afraid to bash both parties.
Then there’s the "Third Term" talk.
Trump himself has joked—or maybe not joked—about seeking a third term. On Air Force One in October 2025, he said he’d "love to do it." However, the 22nd Amendment is pretty clear. Unless there’s a massive constitutional crisis, 2028 will feature new names on the ballot.
What Actually Matters Right Now
Don’t get too bogged down in the horse race yet. It's early.
The 2026 midterms are the real litmus test. If JD Vance helps Republicans keep the House and Senate, he’s golden. If Democrats like Josh Shapiro or Wes Moore help flip seats in their states, their stock goes through the roof.
Watch the book tours. Look at who is visiting Iowa and New Hampshire "just to help out." These aren't accidents.
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Actionable Insights for Political Watchers
- Follow the Money: Watch the FEC filings for PACs like Newsom’s "Campaign for Democracy" or Vance’s fundraising committees.
- The Memoir Indicator: When a politician releases a book in 2026, they are building a national platform. Period.
- Swing State Success: Candidates who can prove they win over Independent voters in places like Pennsylvania or Arizona will have the strongest "electability" argument.
The field of potential presidential candidates 2028 is crowded and messy. It’s a mix of veteran senators, ambitious governors, and the occasional celebrity. While the names will shift, the battle lines are already being drawn in the sand. Keep an eye on the governors—they usually have the best records to run on when the country is looking for a change from Washington.