Key Takeaways:
- Republicans are waiting to see if Donald Trump will run again in 2028 before making moves.
- Potential GOP candidates are avoiding early campaign activities in key states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
- Democrats are already actively positioning themselves for the next presidential race.
- Trump’s influence is keeping the Republican field quiet for now.
The 2028 presidential election is still years away, but politics never sleeps. While Democrats are already gearing up for the race, Republicans seem to be taking a different approach. Many potential GOP candidates are holding back, and it’s all because of one person: Donald Trump.
Who’s Holding Back on the Republican Side?
Donald Trump has hinted that he might run for president again in 2028, even though he’s already served two non-consecutive terms. This has created an interesting situation for other Republicans who might want to throw their hats into the ring.
Names like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been mentioned as possible successors. But so far, these potential candidates aren’t visiting early primary states like Iowa or New Hampshire. Instead, they’re keeping a low profile and focusing on their current jobs.
Why? Because everyone knows that if you start campaigning early in places like New Hampshire, it’s a clear sign you’re running for president. And right now, no one wants to challenge Trump directly.
Why the Delay?
Republican strategists say that Trump’s influence is the main reason for this wait-and-see approach. The party doesn’t have a “leadership vacuum” like the Democrats do, where multiple candidates are already jockeying for position. Instead, it’s more like a crowded room with Trump standing in the center.
One Republican strategist compared it to a situation where everyone is waiting to see how things play out. Potential candidates are staying busy by doing their current jobs well and avoiding any moves that might upset Trump.
What Are Democrats Doing?
On the Democratic side, things are very different. Candidates like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are already visiting early primary states. They’re building connections and laying the groundwork for their campaigns.
This contrasts sharply with the Republican side, where activity has nearly come to a standstill. For example, the New Hampshire Republican Party had discussions with two potential GOP candidates about events in 2025, but those talks stopped as soon as Trump took office. Now, there’s silence.
The Challenges Ahead
For Republicans, the challenge is clear: how to prepare for a potential run without challenging Trump. One strategist suggested that candidates should focus on building their political brands in other ways. This might include appearing on TV shows like Fox News, supporting Trump publicly, and quietly raising money for a future campaign.
But for now, visiting Iowa and New Hampshire is off the table. That’s a big change from past cycles, where candidates often started laying the groundwork years in advance.
What Does This Mean for 2028?
The 2028 election is still far away, but the dynamics are already shaping up to be unique. Democrats are moving quickly to position themselves, while Republicans are waiting to see what Trump will do.
If Trump decides to run again, it could clear the field for him, as many other candidates might step aside. But if he doesn’t, the Republican field could explode with activity overnight.
For now, the message to potential GOP candidates is clear: do your job, stay out of the spotlight, and wait.