With the 2028 campaign already stirring, several figures are gaining attention across both parties thanks to growing visibility, leadership roles, and polling. Here’s a look at five leading potential contenders from each party—and how they stack up on name recognition, experience, leadership, and popularity.
Democratic Prospects
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Gavin Newsom (Governor of California)
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High name recognition as the governor of one of the nation’s most populous states.
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Active media presence and noted for his vocal criticism of Trump. Recent polling shows rising momentum.
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Pete Buttigieg (former Secretary of Transportation, ex-Mayor of South Bend)
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Known for strong communication skills and moderate appeal across diverse constituencies.
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Reports indicate he’s considering a run for 2028.
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Gretchen Whitmer (Governor of Michigan)
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Gained prominence for bipartisan cooperation, even engaging with Trump—raising her visibility and appeal.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) (U.S. Representative, New York)
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Strong social media presence and recognition among younger and progressive voters.
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Frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 candidate.
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Kamala Harris (Former Vice President and 2024 nominee)
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National profile from her VP role and 2024 candidacy.
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Continues to remain a prominent figure in conversations about 2028.
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Republican Prospects
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J.D. Vance (Vice President)
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Current GOP polling leader with strong grassroots support.
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Marco Rubio (Secretary of State, former Senator)
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Veteran figure with foreign policy experience and prior presidential campaign history.
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Ron DeSantis (former Governor of Florida)
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Previously a top-tier contender, retains national recognition.
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Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary)
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Building a national profile in a high-visibility cabinet role.
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Glenn Youngkin (Governor of Virginia)
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Strategically engaging donors and early-primary states for 2028 positioning.
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Comparison Summary
| Party | Candidate | Why Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Democrats | Gavin Newsom | Prominent governor, rising polling numbers. |
| Pete Buttigieg | Skilled communicator, strong national profile. | |
| Gretchen Whitmer | Swing-state executive with bipartisan appeal. | |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | Youthful, progressive, high name recognition. | |
| Kamala Harris | Former VP; high-profile national figure. | |
| Republicans | J.D. Vance | Current GOP frontrunner; sitting Vice President. |
| Marco Rubio | Veteran leader, strong policy experience. | |
| Ron DeSantis | Previous national contender, still visible. | |
| Kristi Noem | Building profile in federal leadership role. | |
| Glenn Youngkin | Active in early-primary strategy and donor outreach. |
It’s still early—but a handful of well-known, experienced figures on both sides are emerging as the most likely contenders. Their mix of name recognition, leadership background, and polling presence position them to define the early 2028 race.
Membership Call to Action
At iVoteMyVote.com, we believe the American people—not party insiders—should shape the debate stage. By becoming a member of IVMV, you gain a participatory vote to identify the five or six most significant primary candidates from each party.
Your input ensures that the debate stage reflects real voter preferences, not just establishment choices. Through a fair elimination process, the least likely candidates will step aside—leaving a debate field that is strong, representative, and worth the nation’s attention.
Join today at iVoteMyVote.com and help shape a reasonable debate field for 2028.
