Donald Trump
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2028 U.S. presidential election
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Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in the United States on November 7, 2028, to elect a president and vice president for a term of four years. The winners of the election are expected to be inaugurated on January 20, 2029.

After winning the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections, President Donald Trump is ineligible for a third term, due to the provisions of the Twenty-second Amendment. Trump's non-consecutive second term expires at noon on January 20, 2029, when the winners of the election will be inaugurated as the president and vice president of the United States. On January 23, 2025, Andy Ogles, a Republican member of the House of Representatives, introduced a resolution to give a third term to any two-term presidencies, which would include Donald Trump.

Potential contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination include former vice president Kamala Harris, former secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Senators Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, former governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, former mayor Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, as well as former representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota.

Potential contenders for the Republican presidential nomination include Vice President JD Vance, Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, and former governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota.

The Republican Party, represented by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, returned to power in the United States with a government trifecta in January 2025 following the 2024 election. Trump, who was elected president in 2016 but lost a re-election bid in 2020 to Joe Biden, defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, who began her campaign following President Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 election. Trump's victory was credited to a surge in inflation, a migrant crisis at the US–Mexico border, and a global anti-incumbent backlash. Republicans secured control of the Senate and retained a House majority.

The president and vice president of the United States are elected through the Electoral College, a group of 538 presidential electors who convene to vote for the president and vice president. The number of electors in the Electoral College is determined through the total number of senators and representatives with an additional three representatives for Washington, D.C.. Electors cast votes for the president and vice president; the winner is elected through a majority of 270 votes. If the election ends in a tie, a contingent election occurs, in which the House of Representatives votes on the president and the Senate votes on the vice president. Forty-eight states use a winner-take-all system in which states award all of their electors to the winner of the popular vote. In Maine and Nebraska, two votes are allocated to the winner of the popular vote, while each of the individual congressional districts have one vote. Electoral votes are certified by state electors in December and by Congress on January 6.

Presidential candidates are selected in a presidential primary, conducted through primary elections or caucuses. The results of primary elections, ran by state governments, and caucuses, ran by state parties, bind convention delegates to candidates. The Democratic Party mandates a proportional allocation if a candidate receives at least fifteen percent in a given congressional district, while the Republican Party gives state parties the authority to allocate all of the delegates to a candidate within the "proportionality window", set by the first two weeks of March. After the window, state parties may set individual rules. A brokered convention occurs when a candidate does not receive a majority of votes on the first round of voting, or when a candidate withdraws.

Article Two of the United States Constitution states that for a person to serve as president, the individual must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years of age, and have been a United States resident for at least 14 years. The Twenty-second Amendment forbids any person from being elected president more than twice. Trump is ineligible to seek a third term. There is a proposed resolution for an amendment that would allow Trump to run for a third term.

Most U.S. states are not highly competitive in presidential elections, often voting consistently for the same party due to longstanding demographic differences. In the Electoral College, this results in major-party candidates primarily focusing their campaigns on swing states, which can swing between parties from election to election. These states are critical for a presidential candidate's path to victory. For 2028, the expected swing states likely include the Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as well as the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, all of which were narrowly won by Trump in 2024. The Minnesota Star Tribune also reported that the close margin in Minnesota would make it specifically a very likely swing state, and WMUR said the same about New Hampshire, which was Trumps' closest loss and was "much more of a swing state".

Red states, also known as the red wall or red sea, are states that consistently vote Republican at the national level. The red wall has rarely been broken, as these states almost never swing. The last significant breach of the red wall occurred in the 1992 United States presidential election. States formerly considered swing states, such as Florida, Iowa, and Ohio, voted for Trump in all three of his elections, with increasing margins in each election (and have become reliably red in other state and federal elections) which suggests that they are no longer swing states. Blue states are states that consistently vote Democratic at the national level. The blue states in 2024 include what is sometimes called the blue wall, as well as Colorado, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Virginia, former swing states that have become reliably blue since 2008 even in Republican national victories. Due to its recent record of voting Democratic even during Republican national wins, Nebraska's 2nd congressional district is also sometimes considered blue.

Doug Burgum served as the governor of North Dakota from 2016 to 2024, ran for president in 2024 and is Trump's pick for Secretary of the Interior. He has been described as a potential candidate in 2028 by Republican insider Pat Finken, who stated that his naming as secretary was likely a springboard for a 2028 campaign especially due to his meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. U.S. bookmakers have given Burgum the same odds to win the 2028 election as Tim Walz, Gretchen Whitmer, and Elon Musk.

Ted Cruz has served as a U.S. senator from Texas since 2013. The runner-up to Donald Trump in the 2016 Republican Party presidential primaries, Cruz has said that he expects to seek the presidency again at some point in the future. In October 2024, the Houston Chronicle described Cruz as being on a 'short list of Republicans rumored for a presidential run in 2028', but added that his hopes hinged on proving that he could attract voters outside of 'hard-line conservatives'. The Texas Tribune posited following Cruz's reelection victory in November 2024 that he had kept his national ambitions alive, reporting that Brendan Steinhauser, a Texas GOP operative independent of Cruz's Senate campaign, argued that Cruz's comfortable win 'keeps him in the conversation nationally', adding that Cruz could springboard his coalition in Texas into a formidable presidential campaign.

Ron DeSantis has served as the governor of Florida since 2019 and previously ran for the Republican nomination in 2024. He has been considered a possible candidate by Politico and Florida Politics.

Brian Kemp has served as the governor of Georgia since 2019. Kemp opposed President Trump's claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, but was ultimately endorsed by Trump in Kemp's successful 2022 re-election campaign. Kemp has been floated as a potential candidate for federal office after being term-limited as governor, either for U.S. Senate in 2026 or for president in 2028.

JD Vance has served as the vice president of the United States since 2025. He previously served as a U.S. senator from Ohio from 2023 to 2025. Vance is the front runner in the primary election, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The Hill stated that Vance's debate performance against Minnesota governor Tim Walz in October 2024 improved his status as a presidential contender.

Andy Beshear has served as the governor of Kentucky since 2019. He was previously on the shortlist to be the vice presidential nominee for the 2024 election, and was seen as a potential replacement for president Joe Biden before he withdrew from the race. In October 2024, Beshear headlined an event for the New Hampshire Democrats, a key early primary state, where he promoted both himself and Vice President Kamala Harris to attendees, signaling his future aspirations. In response to ongoing speculation about his political ambitions, Beshear has stated in an interview with WDKY-TV that he will "see what the future holds", without explicitly ruling out a potential presidential run.

Pete Buttigieg served as the United States Secretary of Transportation from 2021 to 2025. Prior to becoming Secretary of Transportation he has served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2020, before launching a 2020 presidential campaign. Buttigieg was also a contender to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate after she secured the Democratic nomination for president. U.S. News reports that Buttigieg is seen as the party's top 'communicator', appearing on conservative television defending President Biden's policies. This report also hinted that Buttigieg might also run for governor of Michigan in 2026 to replace term-limited governor Gretchen Whitmer. After Buttigieg's radio talk show appearances in New Hampshire and Cleveland to address infrastructure plans for the future, there has been speculation that Buttigieg might be making early campaign stops for the governor race in Michigan as well as the presidential election.

Roy Cooper served as the governor of North Carolina from 2017 to 2025. He was considered a potential contender to be the vice presidential nominee for the 2024 election but removed himself from consideration. Politico has also referred to Cooper as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic Party's presidential nomination. In an interview with The New York Times in December 2024, Cooper stated that "everything is on the table" and that he was interested in running for public office again.

Rahm Emanuel served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. He also served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019. Politico has regarded Emanuel as a potential candidate. His op-ed for The Washington Post has been regarded by many as a signal of potential presidential aspirations.

Ruben Gallego has served as a U.S. senator from Arizona since 2025. He also previously served as U.S. representative from Arizona's 3rd congressional district from 2015 until 2025. Gallego was listed as a potential candidate by both Politico, NBC News, and The Advocate as Gallego was the only Democratic Senate candidate that outpaced Harris in vote share by more than half of a percentage point and performed particularly well with Latino men, a key demographic that Democrats struggled with in 2024. The New York Times also called Gallego a good candidate that could win over working-class voters.

Kamala Harris served as the vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. She became the nominee for president in the 2024 presidential election after Biden withdrew his bid, losing to Donald Trump. Harris, who has the largest donor network in the Democratic Party, may run for the presidency again in 2028 according to The New York Times, as well as Politico, although her loss in the previous election could potentially give her a disadvantage. According to USA Today, Harris intended to run in 2028 before Biden's withdrawal. In November 2024, Politico reported that Harris is considering running for president in 2028 or for governor of California in 2026.

Amy Klobuchar has served as a U.S. senator from Minnesota since 2007. A candidate in the 2020 Democratic primaries, NBC News speculated in November 2024 that she may consider another run in 2028. Politico also listed Klobuchar as a potential candidate in December 2024.

Gavin Newsom has served as the governor of California since 2019. Newsom has been viewed as a contender for the 2028 presidential election by The New York Times, Politico, and The Washington Post after he garnered national attention by December 2023, and he was seen as a potential replacement for Biden after his withdrawal from the 2024 election by The New York Times. According to The New York Times, Newsom was considering a bid for the presidency by September 2023. According to Axios, Newsom and JB Pritzker donated to Charleston, South Carolina, mayoral candidate Clay Middleton, signaling a presidential ambition.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has served as the representative of New York's 14th congressional district since 2019. Ocasio-Cortez has been proposed as a potential candidate by many sources. Politico noted that Ocasio-Cortez "has a prominent following from younger, diverse people". According to Politico, there is also speculation amongst media outlets that have begun for Ocasio-Cortez being a potential candidate for president in 2028. Pundits for Spectrum News NY1 proposed Ocasio-Cortez would be a "formidable contender" if she decided to make a run for the White House. Monica Crowley said Ocasio-Cortez enjoyed "real grassroots support" due to her prominence on social media, while Slate's Ben Mathis-Lilley wrote in November 2024 that Ocasio-Cortez "might already have an opening to be the front-runner for the 2028 nomination". A November 2024 survey commissioned by Puck News found Ocasio-Cortez was the first choice for nominee among four percent of Democratic Party-identifying voters.

Jon Ossoff has served as a U.S senator from Georgia since 2021. In November 2024, NBC News mentioned him as well as senior senator Raphael Warnock as potential contenders for 2028, noting that the two could underscore their ability to succeed electorally in a state thought to be tough for Democrats. Of Ossoff concerning the 2028 election, longtime Democratic strategist Jared Leopold said, "Another guy no one talks about, by the way, is Ossoff, because he kind of keeps quiet, but he's great." In January 2025, The Advocate referred to Ossoff as a possible candidate, saying that his ability to mobilize young and diverse voters in addition to his media savviness as well as his focus on key issues, "positions him as a rising leader with nationwide appeal".

Dean Phillips served as the representative of Minnesota's 3rd congressional district from 2019 to 2025. Phillips ran a campaign against Biden in the 2024 Democratic presidential primaries. Phillips received the second-highest number of delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention of any candidate in the primaries. In an interview with CBS Minnesota, Phillips was asked about his future political aspirations. He ruled out a bid for the U.S. Senate or the governor's office in 2026 but said, "never say never" regarding another presidential campaign in 2028. The HuffPost reported that after the election, Phillips said of his White House bid, “I would do it a thousand times again.” In an interview with the Nation, Phillips was asked what's next for him and his relationship with the Democratic Party, to which he responded, "I’ve been a Democrat my entire life and still aspire to play a role in making us more competitive and effective." The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that Phillips is not sure what he’ll do after departing Washington in January but did not rule out another presidential bid when telling constituents at the Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka that although he has no plans to aim for either Minnesota’s governorship or the U.S. Senate, he does not intend to go away.

JB Pritzker has served as the governor of Illinois since 2019. Pritzker is a potential Democratic contender, according to Chicago Sun-Times. With Newsom, he donated to Middleton. In 2023, Pritzker declined to speak directly with representative Dean Phillips regarding his effort to try to convince him to enter the Democratic Party presidential primary race to oppose Biden.

Josh Shapiro has served as the governor of Pennsylvania since 2023. Shapiro has been seen as a critical figure in Pennsylvania by Democratic strategists and officials, according to Politico, and as a politician who could garner votes from white working-class voters, according to CNN. He was said to be a front-runner in the primary by The Philadelphia Inquirer. According to The New York Times, Shapiro was seen as a potential replacement for Biden.

Tim Walz has served as the governor of Minnesota since 2019. Having been Kamala Harris' running mate in 2024, Walz is considered a prospective candidate, with Politico discussing Walz as a possible contender in November 2024, quoting an anonymous Harris staffer as saying, "When Democrats start talking about 2028, six months ago, Walz's name wouldn't have been on the list, now it might be on the top." In January 2025, The Advocate described him as 'an appealing candidate', crediting his ability to connect with rural and urban voters alike, as well as his experience governing a politically diverse state.

Raphael Warnock has served as U.S senator from Georgia since 2021. In November 2024, he was mentioned along with fellow Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff by NBC News as potential contenders for 2028, noting that the two could underscore their ability to succeed electorally in a state thought to be tough for Democrats. In December 2024 he was noted for being a potential candidate with "national promise" by Politico. Later that month The Guardian praised him for his oratory skills and noted his progressive policy stances on healthcare and voting rights.

Gretchen Whitmer has served as the governor of Michigan since 2019. Whitmer was listed as a potential 2028 Democratic candidate for president by the Associated Press in January 2025. Also, Politico mentioned Whitmer as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination in December 2024. Whitmer was a top contender to be Biden’s running mate in 2020, and since then, her political star has risen. In 2023, Whitmer declined to speak directly with representative Dean Phillips regarding his effort to try to convince her to enter the Democratic Party presidential primary race to oppose Biden.

The following individuals stated that they would not run for president:

• John Fetterman, U.S. senator from Pennsylvania (2023–present) and 34th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania (2019–2023)
• Wes Moore, 63rd governor of Maryland (2023–present)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the nominee for United States Secretary of Health and Human Services in President Donald Trump's second cabinet. Before this he was a Democratic and later independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election, and he also has a history as an environmental lawyer, author, and anti-vaccine activist. When asked about a potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential election, Kennedy expressed an openness to running.

Joe Manchin served as a U.S. senator from West Virginia from 2010 to 2025, and previously served as the governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010. Manchin was widely speculated as a potential candidate in the 2024 presidential election for the centrist political organization No Labels, but he opted not to run for president in February of that year. Manchin once again was viewed as a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination in July 2024, but following the party's decision to not hold a mini-primary, Manchin ruled out re-joining the party and criticized Harris as "too far to the left". Manchin has expressed an interest in remaining active in national politics and a future run for office.

The following individuals stated that they would not run for president:

• Mark Cuban, billionaire businessman, co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and co-founder of 2929 Entertainment

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	JD Vance Republican	Kamala Harris Democratic	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
On Point/SoCal Strategies	December 23, 2024	656 (A)	41%	43%	16%
American Pulse Research & Polling	December 17–20, 2024	661 (LV)	46%	47%	7%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	JD Vance Republican	Gavin Newsom Democratic	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
On Point/SoCal Strategies	December 23, 2024	656 (A)	37%	34%	29%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	JD Vance Republican	Josh Shapiro Democratic	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
On Point/SoCal Strategies	December 23, 2024	656 (A)	37%	34%	29%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	JD Vance Republican	Gretchen Whitmer Democratic	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
On Point/SoCal Strategies	December 23, 2024	656 (A)	40%	33%	26%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Ted Cruz	Ron DeSantis	Nikki Haley	Robert F. Kennedy Jr.	Vivek Ramaswamy	Marco Rubio	Donald Trump	Donald Trump Jr.	JD Vance	Other	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
McLaughlin & Associates	December 11–16, 2024	463 (LV)	—	9%	4%	–	4%	2%	—	21%	25%	9%	24%
Morning Consult	December 6–8, 2024	994 (RV)	—	9%	6%	5%	5%	1%	—	30%	30%	19%	—
Emerson College	November 20–22, 2024	420 (RV)	1%	5%	2%	2%	3%	1%	23%	—	30%	9%	28%
Echelon Insights	November 14–18, 2024	483 (LV)	5%	8%	9%	—	9%	5%	—	—	37%	9%	18%
	November 5, 2024	2024 United States presidential election held.
Echelon Insights	July 19–21, 2024	456 (LV)	4%	14%	9%	—	10%	2%		—	25%	16%	21%
Echelon Insights	January 16–18, 2024	832 (RV)	—	27%	19%	—	18%	—		—	1%	18%	17%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Pete Buttigieg	Kamala Harris	Gavin Newsom	Josh Shapiro	Tim Walz	Other	Undecided
	January 20, 2025	Second inauguration of Donald Trump
McLaughlin & Associates	December 11–16, 2024	428 (LV)	12%	35%	7%	5%	5%	18%	19%
Emerson College	November 20–22, 2024	400 (RV)	4%	37%	7%	3%	1%	17%	35%
Echelon Insights	November 14–18, 2024	457 (LV)	6%	41%	8%	7%	6%	16%	16%
Morning Consult	November 15–17, 2024	1,012 (V)	9%	43%	8%	5%	7%	27%	—
	November 5, 2024	2024 United States presidential election held.
Morning Consult/Politico	May 28–29, 2024	3,997 (RV)	10%	21%	10%	3%	—	12%	41%
Echelon Insights	January 16–18, 2024	499 (RV)	13%	33%	11%	2%	—	12%	29%