No major party figures have formally announced 2028 presidential campaigns as of early October 2026, with serious activity expected to accelerate after the November midterms. Potential contenders including Vice President JD Vance, former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are conducting early-state visits, donor outreach, and polling tests while making conditional public statements. Several Republicans such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio have signaled they have no current plans to run, and Newsom has indicated he would defer to Harris. Historical patterns show most declarations occurring in 2027 rather than late 2026, though post-midterm momentum or unexpected developments could prompt earlier moves by ambitious governors, senators, or cabinet officials. Trader sentiment reflects this timeline uncertainty amid open nomination contests in both parties.