The 2028 presidential election is still more than two years away, and no major candidate has officially entered the race. But a new national poll is already giving a glimpse of which politicians could have the strongest positions when the campaign eventually begins.
A Harvard CAPS/HarrisX poll released September 2 shows former Vice President Kamala Harris leading the potential Democratic field with 42% support among Democratic voters. California Gov. Gavin Newsom follows with 18%, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are tied at 9%.
On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance leads the potential field with 44% support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is second with 21%, followed by Donald Trump Jr. at 18%.
The poll surveyed 2,100 registered voters from August 28–30 and has a margin of error of 2.1 percentage points, according to Harvard CAPS/HarrisX.
The early numbers come as speculation about Trump's eventual successor continues to grow. President Donald Trump has not endorsed a specific candidate for 2028, although he has previously praised both Vance and Rubio as a potential “dream team.”
Other Republicans are also signaling interest. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has openly acknowledged that he wants to become president, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also been mentioned as a possible contender, although he has denied reports that he is preparing a 2028 campaign.
On the Democratic side, Newsom has increasingly drawn national attention, while Buttigieg has also indicated that he is more inclined than not to consider another presidential run.
With the 2026 midterms still ahead, the 2028 field could change dramatically. For now, however, the poll offers an early snapshot of who is gaining the most support.