Americans favor potential 2028 matchup between JD Vance and Kamala Harris, polls say

WASHINGTON, DC: A new survey shows that Americans prefer a possible 2028 presidential matchup between Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris. This highlights early public interest in a future contest.

The findings come from a Harvard/Harris poll. Respondents see a Vance versus Harris race as the most preferred option among potential candidates. The survey provides an early look at voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 election cycle.

Poll shows Harris leading Democratic preferences

According to the survey, a significant portion of Democratic respondents said they would back Harris as their preferred candidate.

About half of Democrats surveyed chose her as their top option for a future presidential run.

Another 22 per cent chose California Gov Gavin Newsom, followed by nine percent who preferred Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro, eight percent who favored Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and six percent who said Illinois Gov JB Pritzker.

Harris previously served as vice president and was the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election after then-President Joe Biden stepped aside from the race.

She went on to face Donald Trump in that election.

Vance emerges as key Republican figure in early outlook

The poll indicates Vance is seen as a leading Republican voice when it comes to talk of a possible 2028 run.

Within the party, he is widely seen as a potential successor to Trump as he is the sitting vice president, and Trump is constitutionally barred from running again.

The survey’s framing of a Vance versus Harris matchup reflects broader speculation about the direction of both major parties heading into the next presidential election.

Forty-eight per cent, said they favor Vance as the next Republican candidate for president, followed by 18 per cent who said Donald Trump Jr.

In third place comes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with 16 per cent favoring him as the next GOP candidate for president. Another nine percent chose Florida Gov Ron DeSantis, and four percent said Tucker Carlson.

These preferences coincide with the fact that most, 67 percent, admit to at least giving “some” thought to the next presidential election. Of those, 32 percent said they have given it “a lot” of thought.

Harris still has not ruled out running for president once more, dropping perhaps the biggest hint during Rev Al Sharpton’s recent National Action Network convention.

When he asked if she planned on running again, she said she “might.”

“Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” she said, adding, “I’ll keep you posted.”

Vance, meanwhile, emerged as the fan favorite at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in December, towering over everyone else in the potential field.

Last year, President Donald Trump said he believes two members of his administration could make up the 2028 Republican presidential ticket, deeming Vance and Rubio “unstoppable.”

“We have, JD, obviously, the vice president is great,” he said. “Marco is great… I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable. I really do, I believe that.”

While the poll highlights early preferences, it does not represent finalized candidate lists or official campaigns. The survey was taken April 23-26, 2026, among 2,745 registered voters. It has a +/- 1.87 per cent margin of error.