A significant portion of the American electorate is already looking beyond President Donald Trump's current term, with a new national poll revealing that half of US adults have begun contemplating the 2028 presidential election.
Poll Reveals Early 2028 Speculation
The CNN-SSRS survey, conducted between 4 and 7 December 2025, found that 22 percent of respondents have thought about the next election "a lot," while a further 28 percent have considered it "some." Despite this early interest, a clear majority—two-thirds—said they do not yet have a specific individual in mind for the nation's highest office.
Among the one-third who did name a preferred candidate, a fragmented picture of potential contenders emerged. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance led with 11 percent support. He was followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 2 percent and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 1 percent.
Intriguingly, another 1 percent of respondents named Donald Trump himself, despite the constitutional barrier that prevents him from seeking a third term.
Democratic Hopefuls and Constitutional Constraints
For the Democrats, California Governor Gavin Newsom was the most-mentioned figure, favoured by 6 percent of those polled. Former Vice President Kamala Harris garnered 3 percent, while New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg each received 1 percent.
The poll also highlighted a fascinating constitutional footnote. Alongside Trump, 1 percent of participants expressed a desire to see former President Barack Obama run again, an impossibility under the same 22nd Amendment that limits Trump. The same percentage named Obama's wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
In total, 16 percent of those surveyed named a Republican or conservative candidate, compared to 14 percent who named a Democrat or liberal candidate.
Voter Priorities and Trump's Teasing Campaign
For voters without a specific candidate, the poll asked what traits they value most in a future president. The top response, cited by 12 percent, was honesty. Another 9 percent prioritised compassion and empathy.
On policy, the dominant concern was affordability and the cost of living, mentioned by 6 percent of respondents. A focus on "America first" or domestic affairs over foreign policy followed at 3 percent, with healthcare, foreign policy, and federal spending each at 2 percent.
Despite the constitutional prohibition, President Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of a 2028 campaign. In October 2025, he told reporters on Air Force One, "I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever," though he later walked back the comments, admitting the Constitution is "pretty clear."
Allies like Steve Bannon have suggested there are ways to "drive a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment." However, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated explicitly in a December Vanity Fair interview that Trump understands he cannot run again, adding, "But he sure is having fun with it."
The president's teasing continued into the festive season, with a post on Truth Social featuring an AI-generated image of him holding a "Trump 2028, yes!" sign, just days after acknowledging at the White House Christmas party he had only a "little more than three years" left in his term.
