Potential 2028 presidential contenders from both parties remain in exploratory stages with no major candidates having formally declared as of September 2026. Republican polling and prediction markets show Vice President JD Vance leading, followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Democrats feature a wide field including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Recent developments include minor Republican filings, Newsom stating he would not challenge Harris, and early positioning ahead of the November 2026 midterms, after which announcements are expected to accelerate. Trader sentiment reflects uncertainty over timing, with structural factors like term limits and primary calendars shaping the path to formal entries.