How progressives can actually win South Carolina
SC Democratic Chair Christale Spain says Gavin Newsom and Cory Booker are creating early buzz by showing up and connecting with voters.
No one is officially running for president in 2028 yet, but familiar names are already emerging as early favorites to lead their parties into the next White House race.
A new poll suggests Democratic voters are rallying behind former Vice President Kamala Harris, while Republicans overwhelmingly favor Vice President JD Vance as a potential successor to President Donald Trump.
The Focal Data/Financial Times poll, released Aug. 16, offers one of the earliest snapshots of the 2028 presidential race. While no major candidate has formally launched a 2028 campaign, several high-profile politicians are beginning to signal whether a White House run is in their future.
Among Democrats, Harris leads with 30% support, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom at 14%, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with 10%, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 8%.
Among Republicans, Vance leads with 42% support, ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 18%. Donald Trump Jr. and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trail further back at 10% and 8%, respectively.
The poll surveyed 2,152 U.S. adults from Aug. 7-11, according to Focal Data.
Is anyone actually running yet?
Not officially, but some of the politicians topping early 2028 polls have begun hinting at their plans.
On Steven Bartlett’s “The Diary of a CEO” podcast earlier this month, Buttigieg said he is “more inclined than not” to make another White House bid. He emphasized that his decision will depend on factors that won’t become clear for some time.
Others have been more definitive. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff has repeatedly said he will not run for president in 2028, despite occasional speculation about his political future.
Trump on Vance and Rubio: ‘I do believe that’s a dream team’
Trump has so far declined to endorse a specific successor for 2028. Still, the president has praised both Vance and Rubio, calling the pair a potential “perfect ticket” during a May White House event.
“I do believe that’s a dream team, but these are minor details. That does not mean you have my endorsement under any circumstances,” Trump said. “I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate.”
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.