2026 Elections Loom Large as Candidates Eye 2028 Prospects

WHO:

CNN - President Trump addressed the UN General Assembly.

CNN - Kamala Harris, former Vice President, is a potential 2028 Democratic candidate.

CNN - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York Representative, is also a potential 2028 Democratic candidate.

CNN - JD Vance, Vice President, is a potential GOP candidate.

CNN - Ted Cruz, Senator, is considering a presidential run.

CNN - Rand Paul, Senator, is contemplating a presidential campaign.

Fox News - Kamala Harris spoke to voters in Detroit.

WHAT:

CNN - President Trump stated, “I’ll be here for two and a half years” during his UN address.

CNN - Harris emphasized that the 2026 midterm elections must come first before considering a 2028 run.

CNN - Ocasio-Cortez mentioned the unique political window for a presidential campaign.

CNN - Pritzker revealed he has lost 80 pounds on GLP-1 medication.

CNN - Cruz expressed his desire to run for president, stating, “It’s no secret that I want to be president.”

WHERE:

CNN - Harris made her remarks in Detroit.

CNN - Ocasio-Cortez is traveling in swing states for the midterm elections.

CNN - Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois.

CNN - Beshear is the Governor of Kentucky.

WHEN:

CNN - The next presidential election is set for November 4, 2028.

WHY:

CNN - The urgency for potential candidates is driven by the upcoming midterm elections and the political climate surrounding President Trump’s administration.

HOW:

CNN - Candidates are using midterm elections as a platform to engage with voters and test their political messages.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 04:59 UTC)

President Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, stating, “I’ll be here for two and a half years,” while potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election, including Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are beginning to make their intentions known. Harris, speaking to voters in Detroit, emphasized the importance of the 2026 midterm elections before considering a run, while Ocasio-Cortez is actively traveling in swing states to engage with constituents. Meanwhile, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul are also contemplating presidential campaigns, with Cruz openly expressing his desire to run, stating, “It’s no secret that I want to be president,” as the political landscape heats up ahead of the next presidential election on November 4, 2028.