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2028 Presidential Election

The election is scheduled for November 7, 2028, and the winners will be sworn into office on January 20, 2029. As of September 2025, no major candidates have officially announced their campaigns for the 2028 U.S. presidential election, though potential contenders are already taking steps like visiting key primary states. Early polling offers a glimpse into potential matchups and priorities for voters.

Potential Republican candidates are often evaluated based on their current roles and past election performances. Donald Trump, having served two non-consecutive terms, is ineligible to run for a third. Early polling indicates potential Republican contenders may include J.D. Vance, Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, Greg Abbott, Nikki Haley, Ted Cruz, Mike Pompeo, and Glenn Youngkin. Vance currently leads in early polling among potential Republican candidates.

Following Kamala Harris's 2024 election loss, Democrats are seeking a new nominee. Early polling suggests potential contenders such as Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris, Josh Shapiro, Gretchen Whitmer, and JB Pritzker. Recent polling shows Newsom gaining ground and tying with J.D. Vance in a hypothetical general election.

Potential candidates are engaging in fundraising and visiting early primary states. The results of the 2026 midterm elections are expected to significantly influence the 2028 election landscape and potential candidates. Given that the 2028 U.S. presidential election is still three years away, the key issues for voters are not yet fully defined. While the political landscape can change, current trends and recent events suggest several issues are likely to be central to the election.

Concerns over the integrity of democratic processes have increased significantly. For many voters, questions surrounding election security, voting access, and the influence of the federal government on elections will be a primary focus. Following the events of 2024, debates on election oversight and the acceptance of results will likely be prominent.

The economy is nearly always a top concern for voters, but the specifics can change. In the lead-up to 2028, voters will be focused on:

• Cost of living: Inflation and consumer purchasing power will likely remain central issues for many voters.
• Economic policy: Voters will evaluate how candidates' proposed policies on taxes, spending, and regulation could affect their personal finances.
• Consumer sentiment: General optimism or pessimism about the economy will affect how voters perceive the candidates.

A growing number of Americans believe that most government officials are corrupt, a sentiment that has seen a notable increase since the 2000s. This could make candidates who campaign on messages of "draining the swamp" or government reform more appealing.

By 2028, voters under 45 will constitute the majority of the electorate. This younger demographic has different voting patterns and issue priorities than previous generations. Key issues that may sway these younger voters include the role of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets could become an important topic, especially for younger voters. Younger voters have a track record of swaying elections at various levels of government, suggesting candidates who can mobilize them will have an advantage.

• Candidates' stances on major social and cultural issues will also be significant, though the specific focus may evolve.
• Abortion rights: Debates surrounding abortion access will likely continue to be a key motivator for many voters.
• Values: As noted by one political consultant, Democratic primary voters may seek candidates who "stand up for our values".
• Transgender rights: Some candidates are already addressing issues related to transgender children, suggesting this could remain a sensitive topic.

The results of the 2026 midterm elections will significantly shape the issues and strategies for the 2028 presidential race. The midterm performance of Democrats could indicate which issues resonate most with voters and help build momentum for the 2028 campaign.