Future Reflections - Initial Considerations (2028)

The United States is gearing up for another intense election year, with several notable figures eyeing the presidency in 2028. Here's a rundown of some of the key contenders from both major parties and their key political positions.

Republican Potential Candidates

JD Vance

JD Vance, currently Vice President, is emerging as a strong contender for the 2028 Republican nomination. With about 46% support in some polls, he leads ahead of Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis. Rubio has publicly supported Vance, signalling a possible transition beyond Donald Trump’s terms. Vance is known for his conservative populist positions, emphasising economic nationalism and immigration control.

Marco Rubio

While Rubio downplays ambitions for 2028, he remains a significant figure within the party and is polling second among Republicans. Known for a more establishment Republican stance, Rubio focuses on foreign policy strength and moderate fiscal conservatism.

Ron DeSantis

DeSantis, the Florida Governor, is another prominent potential candidate known for a hardline conservative agenda, especially on cultural issues and immigration. While his poll numbers are lower relative to Vance and Rubio, he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Glenn Youngkin

Mentioned as a possible candidate by major news outlets, Youngkin, the Virginia Governor, has a more centrist Republican appeal but with a focus on conservative fiscal management and education reform. Virginia’s constitution bars him from a consecutive term, possibly freeing him to run for president.

Democratic Potential Candidates

Raphael Warnock

Raphael Warnock, the Georgia Senator, is seen as a rising star with a blend of progressive and moderate appeal. Warnock has won tough elections in a key battleground state and brings a moral leadership style rooted in his role as a pastor. He has not declared a plan but is viewed as a strong contender if he runs, with political positions typically including expanding voting rights, social justice, and progressive economic policies.

Ruben Gallego

An emerging leader with working-class appeal and a strong voice for Latino voters, Gallego’s military background and battleground state success boost his profile. Gallego espouses progressive values with a focus on labour rights, immigration reform, and social equity.

Gavin Newsom

Rising in 2028 primary polls, Newsom enjoys a broad Democratic base, known for progressive stances on climate change, healthcare expansion, and social justice.

Other possible Democrats include Pete Buttigieg (former Transportation Secretary), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY Representative), Kamala Harris (Vice President), Andy Beshear (Kentucky Governor), Amy Klobuchar (Senator), Bernie Sanders (Senator), and others preparing campaigns with varied progressive and moderate positions.

Key Political Positions Overview

The following table summarises the key political positions of some of the potential candidates:

| Candidate | Party | Key Political Positions | |------------------------|-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | JD Vance | Republican | Economic nationalism, strict immigration policies, conservative social values | | Marco Rubio | Republican | Strong foreign policy, traditional conservative fiscal policy, anti-socialism | | Ron DeSantis | Republican | Hardline immigration control, conservative cultural policies, pro-business | | Glenn Youngkin | Republican | Education reform, fiscal conservatism, pragmatic moderate Republican approaches | | Raphael Warnock | Democrat | Voting rights expansion, social justice, economic equity, progressive Democratic policies | | Ruben Gallego | Democrat | Labor rights, immigration reform, social equity, Latino voter engagement | | Gavin Newsom | Democrat | Climate action, healthcare expansion, social justice, progressive governance | | Pete Buttigieg | Democrat | Infrastructure investment, social liberalism, moderate-progressive economic policies | | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez| Democrat | Progressive taxation, Green New Deal, social justice, Medicare for All | | Kamala Harris | Democrat | Criminal justice reform, healthcare access, moderate-progressive balance |

These candidates and their political positions reflect the ongoing ideological spectrum within each party, from establishment to more populist or progressive wings. The field remains fluid with official announcements expected closer to 2026-2027.

This analysis synthesises recent polling, political commentary, and emerging profiles from 2025, showing key figures and their policy emphases as the race begins to take shape. The articles are published in the "Opinions" section of the publication.