A new poll offers an early look at who Americans would like to see on the ballot in the 2028 presidential election.
The latest Focaldata-Financial Times poll,released Oct. 11, surveyed 2,553 U.S. adults on a variety of topics, including President Donald Trump's job performance and potential candidates for the next presidential election. The survey was conducted Oct. 2-5.
When it comes to Democrats, former Vice President Kamala Harris leads the field of potential 2028 presidential contenders, with 32% of respondents asked about the Democratic primary selecting her as their first choice.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom follows with 13%, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received 10% and former Transportation SecretaryPete Buttigieg received 9%. Another
16% said they were unsure.
Harris was particularly popular among younger respondents, receiving 49% support among those ages 18-29 and 37% among those ages 30-39. But her support dropped significantly among older respondents. Just 8% of those ages 70 and older selected Harris, compared with 23% who chose Newsom.
On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vanceleads the field of potential 2028 presidential candidates with 38% support.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio follows with 20%, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 9% and Donald Trump Jr. received 8%. Another 13% said they were unsure.
Vance's support was relatively consistent across age groups, ranging from 29% among respondents ages 30-39 to 42% among those ages 50-59. Rubio, meanwhile, performed better among older respondents, receiving 31% support among those ages 70 and older, compared with 12% among those ages 18-29.
Trump approval today
Inflation and the cost of living remain top concerns for Americans, according to the poll, with 54% of respondents citing them as major issues, followed by jobs and the economy, and health care.
The survey also asked Americans how they felt about Trump's job performance. Just 13% said they strongly approve of the job Trump is doing, while another 20% said they somewhat approve.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Who could replace Trump in 2028? Poll reveals presidential favorites
