The 2028 presidential field remains largely undeclared as of September 2026, with no major-party contenders having formally launched campaigns. Potential Democratic figures including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with Republican prospects such as JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ron DeSantis, continue positioning through polling, donor outreach, and early-state travel while awaiting the November midterms. Recent statements from Newsom indicating he would not run against Harris and from Vance and Rubio signaling decisions only after the midterms underscore the cautious timeline. The midterms serve as the expected catalyst for announcements, which historically accelerate through 2027 ahead of the primaries, with only minor candidates having filed with the FEC so far.