It feels like the ink on the last election results has barely dried, and yet, here we are. The 2028 cycle is already humming in the background like a low-frequency radio. If you’re looking at the current political map and wondering who are the other presidential candidates likely to pop up on your ballot next time around, you aren't alone. Honestly, the "shadow campaign" is already in full swing.
Governors are visiting Iowa "just for the scenery," and senators are suddenly very interested in the concerns of New Hampshire voters. It’s a bit of a dance. While most of the country is trying to take a breather from the constant noise of 24-hour news cycles, the people who want to run the show are already doing the math.
The Republican Frontrunners and the MAGA Legacy
On the GOP side, the conversation starts and—for many—ends with the current Vice President. JD Vance is sitting in the pole position. According to a 2025 YouGov poll, nearly 65% of Republicans would consider him for the top spot. He’s basically the heir apparent to the MAGA movement. But being the favorite four years out is a double-edged sword; you’ve got a massive target on your back.
Then you have the Florida duo. Marco Rubio, now serving as Secretary of State, and Governor Ron DeSantis. Rubio’s been elevated by the current administration as a key successor, while DeSantis still holds a significant chunk of the base that likes his "anti-woke" legislative track record in Florida.
- JD Vance: The sitting VP with the strongest polling numbers.
- Marco Rubio: A high-profile cabinet position gives him a global platform.
- Ron DeSantis: Still a powerhouse in Florida with a dedicated donor base.
- Donald Trump Jr.: Don't count him out; he pulls about 37% "consideration" in early polls.
- Vivek Ramaswamy: Currently eyeing the Ohio governorship in 2026, which is a classic stepping stone.
There’s also some chatter about Sarah Huckabee Sanders and even Nikki Haley, though Haley’s path is kind of rocky after the 2024 primary season. Some voters have "soured" on her, to put it mildly.
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The Democratic Battle for a New Identity
The Democrats are in a bit of a weird spot. After the 2024 loss, there’s no clear leader. Kamala Harris is still very much in the mix—her name recognition is 100%, and she’s already setting up a super PAC called "Fight for the People." But she’s got competition. Lots of it.
Gavin Newsom is the name that keeps coming up. The California Governor has been building a national network for years. He’s got the money, too. His leadership PAC, Campaign for Democracy, had nearly $4 million in the bank by late 2025. He’s been helping other Democrats in their midterm races, which is basically political code for "please remember me in 2028."
The Governor Brigade
It’s not just Newsom. Look at the Midwest. Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania and Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan are seen as the "electable" moderates who can talk to the Rust Belt. Then you have J.B. Pritzker in Illinois. He’s got the advantage of being a billionaire, meaning he doesn’t have to spend all day on the phone begging for checks. He can just write them.
The Progressive Wing
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is the elephant in the room for the progressive left. She’s been touring with Bernie Sanders and remains a fundraising juggernaut. If the party decides it needs to lean into its younger, more radical base, she’s the natural choice.
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Other Notable Democrats:
- Pete Buttigieg: Still wildly popular with the donor class and moderates.
- Tim Walz: The 2024 VP nominee who still has a lot of "dad energy" goodwill.
- Andy Beshear: A Democrat who wins in deep-red Kentucky? That’s a strong pitch.
- Mark Kelly: The astronaut-senator from Arizona who appeals to the middle.
Third-Party and Independent Wildcards
Every cycle, we ask if this is the year a third party finally breaks through. Honestly, usually, it isn't. But with voter frustration at an all-time high, the list of people filing paperwork with the FEC is already getting weird.
There are dozens of people you’ve never heard of already registered. Names like Aaron Avouris (Independent) or A.C. Toulme (One Earth Party). While these aren't household names, they represent the growing "none of the above" sentiment.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently serving in the cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services, which has largely neutralized him as a third-party threat for now. However, political winds shift fast. Joe Manchin has floated the idea of an independent run before, though he's officially "denied interest" recently.
What Really Matters Right Now
If you're trying to figure out who are the other presidential candidates that actually stand a chance, don't look at the polls yet. Look at the money and the midterms.
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The 2026 midterms are the real audition. Watch which potential candidates go to the "swingy" states to stump for Congressional candidates. If Josh Shapiro is suddenly spending a lot of time in Arizona or Georgia, he’s not there for the weather.
Also, keep an eye on the "shadow campaigns" happening in the donor world. When a guy like Newsom tells his donors to "stop donating" to a specific ballot measure because he already has $37 million in the bank, he's showing off. He's telling the party, "I can fund a national run tomorrow if I have to."
The "Silent" Factors
- Age: This was the story of 2024. In 2028, voters will likely crave someone younger.
- The Economy: If the 2026 tax cuts land well, the GOP has a massive advantage. If they don't, the door swings wide open for a "change" candidate.
- Social Media: AOC and Ramaswamy are masters of the "viral" moment. In a crowded field, being able to bypass traditional media is huge.
Actionable Steps for the Informed Voter
Politics moves fast, and 2028 will be here before you know it. To keep a pulse on who is actually making moves, you should:
- Track PAC Filings: Check OpenSecrets periodically to see which potential candidates are raising the most "leadership PAC" money. This is the best indicator of a serious run.
- Follow the Midterm Trail: In late 2026, note which governors are traveling outside their home states to campaign.
- Watch the DNC/RNC Rule Changes: The order of the primaries matters. If New Hampshire successfully fights to stay first, it helps candidates like Pete Buttigieg. If South Carolina stays first, it might favor someone like Kamala Harris.
- Verify at the Source: Use sites like Ballotpedia to see a full, updated list of everyone who has officially filed Form 2 with the FEC.
The field is wide, and the 2028 election is already being written in the boardrooms and statehouses across the country.
Stay updated by checking the official FEC candidate filings every few months to see new entrants into the race.