Who is running for president in 2028

Overview

The 2028 United States presidential election represents a pivotal moment in American politics, occurring four years after the 2024 election cycle. This election will determine the nation's leadership for the 2029-2033 term, with the winner becoming the 48th president of the United States. The political landscape in 2028 will be shaped by the outcomes of the 2024 and 2026 elections, along with evolving domestic and international challenges. Historical patterns suggest this election may feature both established political figures and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Presidential elections follow a four-year cycle established by the U.S. Constitution, with the 2028 election continuing this tradition dating back to 1789. The election process involves primaries, caucuses, national conventions, and the general election, culminating in the Electoral College vote. Recent elections have seen increasing polarization, with the 2020 election recording the highest voter turnout since 1900 at 66.8% of eligible voters. The 2028 election will likely build upon these trends while addressing new issues facing the nation.

How It Works

The presidential election process involves multiple stages over approximately two years, beginning with candidate exploration and ending with inauguration.

• Candidate Qualification: Presidential candidates must meet constitutional requirements including being at least 35 years old, a natural-born U.S. citizen, and a resident for 14 years. Most serious candidates begin exploring campaigns 2-3 years before the election, with formal declarations typically occurring in 2027. Campaigns must register with the Federal Election Commission and comply with campaign finance laws, including individual contribution limits of $3,300 per election as of 2024.
• Primary and Caucus System: The nomination process begins with state primaries and caucuses, traditionally starting with Iowa in January 2028. Democrats and Republicans use different delegate allocation systems, with Democrats employing proportional representation and Republicans using various methods including winner-take-all. The process culminates at national conventions in summer 2028, where each party formally nominates their candidate and adopts a platform.
• General Election Campaign: Following the conventions, candidates engage in intensive campaigning from August through November 2028. This includes televised debates typically held in September and October, extensive advertising, and nationwide rallies. Campaigns focus on swing states where electoral votes are most competitive, with key battlegrounds likely including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia based on recent elections.
• Electoral College System: The president is elected through the Electoral College, not the popular vote. Each state receives electors equal to its congressional representation, totaling 538 electoral votes. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win, with most states using a winner-take-all system. The electors meet in December 2028 to cast their votes, which Congress counts in January 2029.

Key Comparisons

Why It Matters

• Policy Direction: The 2028 election will determine national policy on critical issues including climate change, healthcare, economic strategy, and foreign relations for the next four years. The president appoints approximately 4,000 positions including Supreme Court justices, cabinet members, and agency heads who shape policy implementation. Recent administrations have shown significant policy divergence between parties on issues like healthcare, where the Affordable Care Act covers over 40 million Americans.
• Global Leadership: The United States remains a global superpower with the world's largest economy at $25 trillion GDP as of 2023. The 2028 election winner will influence international relations, trade agreements, and global security arrangements. The president commands the world's most powerful military with a $886 billion defense budget in 2024 and leads diplomatic efforts on issues ranging from climate accords to nuclear nonproliferation.
• Democratic Participation: Presidential elections represent the peak of civic engagement in American democracy, with voter turnout typically highest in presidential years. The 2028 election will test the health of democratic institutions following recent challenges to election integrity and voting rights. Election administration involves approximately 10,000 local jurisdictions across 50 states, requiring coordination and public trust in the process.

Looking ahead to 2028, the presidential election will occur amid evolving demographic shifts, technological changes in campaigning, and ongoing debates about election security and access. The outcome will shape not only the immediate political landscape but also the long-term direction of the nation as it approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. As candidates emerge and campaigns develop, the 2028 election promises to be a defining moment in 21st-century American politics with implications reaching far beyond national borders.