Early speculation about the 2028 presidential race is already taking shape in both parties, with elected officials weighing potential bids while balancing reelection plans and other priorities.
On the Democratic side, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said Sunday that a White House run is something he is considering. Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mr. Booker said, “I am definitely not ruling it out,” while emphasizing that his immediate focus is his Senate reelection campaign. He also noted that he and his wife, Alexis, whom he married in November, are “excited about whatever challenges we may take on as a couple.” Mr. Booker previously ran for president in 2020, ending his campaign before the Iowa caucuses. His comments place him among likely Democratic contenders that include Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
On the Republican side, Vice President J.D. Vance is considered an early favorite for the party’s 2028 nomination. He finished first in the Conservative Political Action Conference’s presidential straw poll Saturday, earning about 53% of the more than 1,600 votes cast. Secretary of State Marco Rubio placed second with 35%, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr. each received 2%. Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott each received 1%.
The results were broadly consistent with last year’s CPAC poll, in which Mr. Vance led with 61% support and political commentator Stephen K. Bannon finished second with 12%. Mr. Rubio received 3% in that poll. Mr. Rubio has not indicated that he plans to run for president and has publicly expressed support for Mr. Vance, saying in a previous interview that if Mr. Vance runs, “he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said there is a “50-50” chance he will run for president in 2028, adding that he will make a decision after November’s midterm elections. In an interview with CBS News, Mr. Paul said he believes there is still a potential coalition within the Republican Party that favors free-market and libertarian policies, even as the party has shifted in a more populist direction. He also acknowledged challenges in appealing to some business interests after voting against last summer’s Republican tax-cut package, citing concerns about federal spending and deficits.
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