Potential 2028 Presidential Candidates Emerge as Trump's Term Nears End

From JD Vance to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 2028 race is already taking shape behind the scenes.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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With President Donald Trump's second term nearing its end, potential Democratic and Republican candidates for the 2028 presidential election are already positioning themselves for a run. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance and former Secretary of State Marco Rubio are seen as frontrunners, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are among the Democrats rumored to be considering a bid. Other names floated include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and even Eric Trump, the former president's son.

Why it matters

The 2028 election will be a pivotal moment for both parties as they look to chart a path forward after the Trump presidency. Voters will be seeking candidates who can either continue the MAGA movement or offer a return to more traditional Republican politics, while Democrats will be looking for a fresh face to lead the party after its 2024 loss.

The details

Several high-profile figures are already laying the groundwork for potential 2028 presidential runs, though most have not yet officially declared their intentions. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance has confirmed he plans to discuss a run with President Trump after the midterm elections, while former Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he would not challenge Vance for the nomination. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been open about his presidential ambitions, using his podcast and social media presence to boost his national profile. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another Democrat, is weighing a presidential bid or a primary challenge against Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, also a Democrat, has been making moves typical of a presidential hopeful, including announcing a forthcoming memoir. And on the Republican side, former President Trump's son Eric Trump has not ruled out a run, though he has expressed concerns about the toll it could take on his family.

  • The 2028 presidential election will take center stage after the 2026 midterm elections in November.
  • President Donald Trump will reach his term limits in January 2029.

The players

JD Vance

The current U.S. vice president, former Ohio senator, author of "Hillbilly Elegy", and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, former mayor of San Francisco, and businessman.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. secretary of state and former White House national security adviser and Florida senator.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The current U.S. congresswoman from New York.

Andy Beshear

The current governor of Kentucky, former state attorney general, and chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

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What they’re saying

“I will not leave a broken country to my kids or to anyone else's. They deserve the same stability of the United States that we had growing up. They deserve a country that's leader of the free world and not the bully on the playground.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The 2028 presidential race is already taking shape, with a mix of familiar and new faces positioning themselves to lead their parties in the post-Trump era. Voters will be looking for candidates who can either continue the MAGA movement or offer a return to more traditional politics, while Democrats will be seeking a fresh face to lead the party after its 2024 loss.