2028 Presidential Race Takes Shape as Harris, Newsom Position for Democratic Nomination
October 27, 2025 — The race for the 2028 presidential election is already generating significant speculation, with clear frontrunners emerging in both major parties more than three years before voters head to the polls.
Democratic Field Consolidates Around Top Contenders
Vice President Kamala Harris currently leads California Governor Gavin Newsom in early Democratic primary polling, according to aggregated data from October 21, 2025. The two California politicians represent the most prominent potential candidates seeking to carry the Democratic banner in 2028.
Representative Ro Khanna, also from California, has been identified as another significant Democratic contender, though he trails the two frontrunners in current speculation.
The concentration of top Democratic prospects from a single state sets up what could be a contentious primary battle with significant implications for California’s political influence on the national stage.
Vance Dominates Early Republican Polling
On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance has established commanding leads in the Republican field, positioning himself as the early favorite for his party’s nomination.
Vance’s strong showing reflects his rising profile in national Republican politics and suggests the party may be coalescing around his potential candidacy earlier than historical norms would predict.
What This Means
The early emergence of clear frontrunners in both parties indicates that 2028 presidential maneuvering is well underway, with candidates and their teams already building infrastructure, courting donors, and positioning themselves for what promises to be a highly competitive general election.
Political analysts note that early polling this far from an election often proves unreliable, but the current dynamics provide insight into which political figures are successfully maintaining national profiles and building support among party activists.
No significant developments in state-level election law changes, judicial elections, or ballot security issues were reported in the past 24 hours from Delaware, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.