2028 Presidential Election Candidates: Full List of GOP Contenders to Watch

As the 2028 presidential election approaches, the race to determine who will lead the Republican Party is heating up. With Donald Trump stepping aside for a new generation of leaders, all eyes are now on the 2028 presidential election candidates emerging from the GOP. Early polls, campaign events, and fundraising efforts are already shaping a competitive field.

In this article, we’ll break down the top GOP contenders, key early polling results, and what to expect as the 2028 election season unfolds.

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🏆 Top 2028 Republican Presidential Candidates

1. J.D. Vance – Vice President and Current GOP Frontrunner

Vice President J.D. Vance has quickly emerged as the leading 2028 presidential candidate in the Republican field.

• Early polls give him nearly 46% support, far ahead of his rivals.

• His position as Vice President and his close alignment with Trump’s policies make him the current frontrunner.

• Fundraising efforts and early endorsements suggest that Vance could dominate the 2028 GOP primaries if his momentum continues.

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2. Ron DeSantis – Governor of Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis remains a powerful voice within the Republican Party:

• Known for his conservative policies and national recognition from the 2024 cycle.

• Currently polling around 9%, he would need strong early-state performances to regain front-runner status.

• Expected to focus heavily on Florida’s success story and his fight against federal overreach.

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3. Marco Rubio – Secretary of State

Former Senator and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio is positioning himself as a foreign policy expert in the 2028 race:

• Polling at around 12% in early surveys.

• His experience and global approach may attract moderate Republicans and independents.

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4. Glenn Youngkin – Governor of Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin has gained popularity among suburban voters:

• Known for his business background and education-focused policies.

• Has started visiting Iowa and South Carolina, signaling serious primary ambitions.

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5. Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security

Secretary Kristi Noem is testing the waters for a potential 2028 run:

• She has made headlines for her tough stance on border security and immigration raids.

• Could become a key conservative choice, appealing to voters focused on national security.

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6. Sarah Huckabee Sanders – Governor of Arkansas

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders brings strong connections to Trump’s base:

• Recently headlined GOP events in early-voting states.

• Positioning herself as a pro-family, pro-liberty candidate.

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7. Ted Cruz & Rand Paul – Senators and Conservative Voices

Both Ted Cruz and Rand Paul remain influential within the party:

• Their focus on constitutional conservatism and government accountability resonates with the Republican grassroots.

• They could act as spoilers or influential voices in the 2028 GOP primary.

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📊 Early Polling Insights

According to Emerson College polls, here’s how the 2028 GOP field is shaping up:

Candidate	Early Poll Support
J.D. Vance	46%
Marco Rubio	12%
Ron DeSantis	9%
Glenn Youngkin	5%
Kristi Noem	4%
Sarah Huckabee Sanders	3%
Ted Cruz / Rand Paul	2% each
Undecided Voters	17%

This data highlights Vance as the clear frontrunner, but a significant percentage of undecided voters leaves room for surprises.

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🔮 What to Expect Heading Into 2028

• Official campaign announcements are likely to ramp up after the 2026 midterms.

• Iowa and New Hampshire will once again play a crucial role in shaping the GOP field.

• Fundraising and early endorsements will determine which candidates survive into the Super Tuesday primaries.

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