A new CNN poll reveals that only 40 percent of Americans are eagerly anticipating the 2028 presidential election, while 27 percent say they are dreading it and 33 percent feel neither way. The survey, conducted from October 15-18 with 1,701 respondents, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
The lackluster enthusiasm comes as the 2026 midterm elections wrap up, with Democrats securing control of both the House and Senate. The GOP faced a difficult political climate, weighed down by an unpopular war with Iran, President Trump's declining approval ratings, and voter anxiety over the cost of living. The midterm losses have already sparked internal recriminations, with some Republicans blaming the Iran conflict for the party's defeat, as detailed in Vance's post-midterm rebuke.
The 2024 presidential race was one of the most turbulent in modern history, featuring two attempted assassinations against Trump, a disastrous debate performance by former President Biden that raised doubts about his fitness for office, and former Vice President Kamala Harris taking over the Democratic ticket just months before Election Day. That chaos may be contributing to the current voter fatigue.
When asked if they had a specific person they would like to see run for president in 2028, only 35 percent of respondents said yes, while 64 percent said no. The next election will also mark the first time in over a decade that Trump will not be on the ballot, as the 22nd Amendment prohibits a president from serving more than two terms.
With Trump's era ending, both parties are already jockeying for position. On the Republican side, a crowded field of contenders is emerging, including figures like Vice President JD Vance, who has been critical of the party's midterm strategy. A recent analysis of top GOP presidential contenders for 2028 highlights the early maneuvering.
Democrats, buoyed by their midterm victories, are also looking ahead. The party's success has been attributed to a focus on kitchen-table issues and a rejection of Trump's election fraud claims, which he revived after the midterm losses. As Trump revives election fraud claims, Democrats are positioning themselves as the party of stability and progress.
The poll's findings suggest that despite the high stakes, many Americans are not yet engaged in the 2028 race. This apathy could pose a challenge for candidates seeking to build early momentum and raise funds. It also underscores a broader sense of political exhaustion after years of turmoil.
As the midterm results sink in, the political landscape is shifting. The GOP's lame-duck agenda has collapsed, and the party is grappling with its future direction. Meanwhile, Democrats are eager to capitalize on their gains and set the stage for 2028. Whether voter enthusiasm will improve remains to be seen, but for now, a significant portion of the electorate is simply not looking forward to the next presidential contest.
