Honestly, it feels like the 2024 stickers haven’t even peeled off the bumpers yet, and here we are. People are already asking the big question: who is running for president in 2028? It sounds crazy, but in the world of American politics, the "invisible primary" starts the second the last concession speech ends. Right now, in early 2026, we’re seeing a fascinating mix of high-profile "maybes" and a list of folks who’ve actually filed paperwork.
The 2028 election is unique because it’s a wide-open lane. Since President Trump is serving his second non-consecutive term, the 22nd Amendment means he’s out for 2028. No incumbent. That usually leads to a bit of a free-for-all.
The Names You Already Know (And Their "Shadow Campaigns")
When you look at who is running for president—or at least who is acting like it—the list starts with the heavy hitters. You’ve probably seen these names in the news lately. They aren't all "official" yet, but they are making moves.
The Republican Frontrunners
On the GOP side, Vice President JD Vance is the most obvious successor. He’s already been dropping hints. In late 2025, he told Sean Hannity on Fox News that he plans to sit down with Trump after the 2026 midterms to "talk to him about it." He’s clearly trying to position himself as the natural heir to the MAGA movement.
But he isn't alone. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is still very much in the conversation. Even though his 2024 run didn't go as planned, he’s been amping up his rhetoric on immigration and border security. Some recent polls from Overton Insights even put him in a solid third place behind Vance and Donald Trump Jr. (who hasn't officially said he's running but is always a fan favorite in polls).
Then you have Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump himself called a potential Vance-Rubio ticket "unstoppable," which sparked a ton of speculation. Rubio’s been focused on his current job, but in politics, "focusing on the job" is often code for "waiting for the right moment."
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The Democratic Contenders
Over on the Democratic side, things are arguably even more crowded. California Governor Gavin Newsom is basically the early frontrunner. He’s been everywhere. He’s got this PAC called "Campaign for Democracy" that raised millions, and he’s been using it to help other Democrats. It’s a classic way to build a national network. Newsom basically admitted to CBS that he’d be "lying" if he said he wasn't considering a 2028 bid.
Then there’s former Vice President Kamala Harris. After 2024, some people thought she might step back, but she told the BBC, "I am not done." She still carries significant weight with the party base, especially among those who want to see the first female president.
Keep an eye on Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania. He just launched his 2026 reelection bid, and his speeches are sounding very "national." He talks a lot about being a "bulwark" against federal overreach, which is a message that plays well in swing states.
Other big names include:
- Pete Buttigieg: Consistently popular in early primary states like New Hampshire.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC): She’s been touring with Bernie Sanders and has massive support among progressives and Gen Z.
- Gretchen Whitmer: The Michigan Governor is term-limited after this year. She’s been a bit more "wait-and-see," saying she doesn't know if she needs to be the "main character," but the door is wide open.
The "Official" List: Who Has Actually Filed?
While the big names are playing a game of "will they or won't they," dozens of people have already filed paperwork with the FEC for 2028. Most of these aren't household names, but they are technically the ones "running" right now. According to Ballotpedia, the list includes people like:
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- Adam Michael Dunn (Republican)
- A Kennedy (Democratic)
- Andre McKoy (Libertarian)
- Edward Searls (Green Party)
- Aaron Avouris (Independent)
These candidates usually don't have the funding or name recognition to make it to the debate stage, but they represent the diverse (and sometimes chaotic) nature of the filing process.
Why 2026 is the Real Starting Line
You might think 2028 is too far away to care about. You’d be wrong. The 2026 midterm elections are the "audition" for the presidency.
If Josh Shapiro wins his reelection in Pennsylvania by a landslide, his stock goes up. If Gavin Newsom’s ballot measures in California succeed, he looks like a winner. On the GOP side, JD Vance's ability to campaign for others and help Republicans win back or hold seats will determine if the party truly views him as the leader-in-waiting.
Basically, the midterms are a giant stress test for these candidates. We’ll see who can raise money, who can handle a tough interview, and who actually has a message that resonates outside of their home state.
What People Get Wrong About the Early Race
A lot of folks think that the person leading the polls right now will be the nominee. History says... maybe not. Remember, at this point in the 2008 cycle, Hillary Clinton was the "inevitable" nominee. Then a guy named Barack Obama showed up. In 2016, nobody really thought Donald Trump was going to take the GOP primary by storm until he did.
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Right now, the "who is running for president" question is mostly about viability.
- Can they raise $100 million?
- Do they have a "lane" (e.g., the "moderate" lane, the "progressive" lane, the "MAGA" lane)?
- Is there a "scandal" lurking in their past that hasn't come out yet?
Realities of the Swing States
The 2028 race will likely come down to the same "Blue Wall" states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. That’s why governors like Shapiro and Whitmer are so important. If the Democrats can't hold those, it doesn't matter how popular Newsom is in California.
How to Track the 2028 Race Yourself
If you’re a political junkie and want to stay ahead of the curve, don't just wait for the big announcements. Look at the small stuff.
- Follow the PACs: Look at where people like Newsom, DeSantis, or Buttigieg are spending their money. If they are spending in Iowa or New Hampshire, they’re running.
- Watch the Midterm Coattails: See which potential candidates are being asked to speak at rallies for other politicians in 2026. If a candidate is "in demand" for rallies, they have national appeal.
- Check FEC Filings: You can literally go to the FEC website and search for 2028 presidential committees. It’s public record.
- Ignore Early Polls (Mostly): Early polls are just name-recognition contests. They don't tell you who will win a debate or who will survive a 50-state primary.
The question of who is running for president will get much clearer by the end of 2026. For now, it's a game of chess, and every move—every speech, every bill signed, every tweet—is a piece of the puzzle.
Practical Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the 2026 midterm results in Pennsylvania and Michigan specifically. These will be the clearest indicators of whether candidates like Josh Shapiro or Gretchen Whitmer have the momentum to make a national jump. Also, watch the Vice President's travel schedule; where JD Vance goes to campaign for others tells you exactly where he’s building his 2028 base.