2028 Election
Who Will Run for President in 2028? Early Candidates & Predictions
The 2028 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most open races in decades. With Donald Trump constitutionally barred from a third term, both parties will field entirely new candidates for the first time since 2008. The field is wide open — and political insiders are already positioning.
Here is what we know about the likely candidates on both sides, the key rules governing who can run, and what the political landscape looks like heading into 2028.
Republican candidates for 2028
The Republican primary will be the first open GOP contest since 2016. Without Trump on the ballot, several figures are already being discussed as potential candidates. The central question is whether the party continues in the MAGA direction or pivots toward a more traditional conservative platform.
JD Vance
Republican · Current Vice President
As Trump's Vice President, Vance would be the natural heir to the MAGA movement. Sitting VPs historically have significant advantages in primaries — though they don't always win. His alignment with Trump is complete, and he would likely run as the continuity candidate.
Ron DeSantis
Republican · Governor of Florida
DeSantis ran in 2024 but withdrew before Iowa. His performance as Florida governor has kept him visible, and 2028 gives him a second chance without competing directly against Trump. His appeal is to voters who want MAGA policy without MAGA-style politics.
Glenn Youngkin
Republican · Former Governor of Virginia
Youngkin won in a swing state in 2021 and represents the suburban Republican who can win in competitive territory. He has been quietly building a national profile and is seen as a potential 2028 contender in the "electable conservative" lane.
Democratic candidates for 2028
Democrats face a more complex situation. Biden's 2024 withdrawal created significant uncertainty, and the party lost the 2024 election, meaning they will enter 2028 as the opposition party looking to rebuild.
Gretchen Whitmer
Democrat · Governor of Michigan
Whitmer has been one of the most visible Democratic governors and has openly positioned herself for a potential presidential run. Michigan is a key swing state, and her executive record is strong within Democratic circles.
Pete Buttigieg
Democrat · Former Secretary of Transportation
Buttigieg ran a competitive 2020 primary campaign and served in Biden's cabinet. At 46 in 2028, he would represent a generational change argument. He performed well in Iowa in 2020 and has maintained a national profile.
Josh Shapiro
Democrat · Governor of Pennsylvania
Shapiro won Pennsylvania — the most critical swing state — by a wide margin in 2022. His ability to win in a purple state makes him an attractive candidate for a party focused on electability after two difficult cycles.
When will candidates officially announce?
Formal campaign announcements typically come 12-18 months before the general election — meaning late 2026 or early 2027 for most serious candidates. However, exploratory committees and behind-the-scenes fundraising begin much earlier. The 2026 midterm elections will be a major factor: candidates who perform well in November 2026 will enter 2027 with momentum.
Track the exact time remaining until the 2028 election cycle with our live countdown clock. Trump's term ends on January 20, 2029 — the 2028 election happens just 77 days before that.