With the 2028 U.S. presidential election still more than a year away, attention is beginning to turn to the potential candidates who could shape the next race for the White House.

Vice President JD Vance is emerging as an early contender for the Republican nomination, while former Vice President Kamala Harris remains a prominent name in discussions about the Democratic race.

RealClearPolitics ' Republican primary average, based on surveys conducted from July 19 through Oct. 6, puts Vance at 39.1%, ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 23.8%.

However, the available Democratic polling information does not establish Harris's current standing relative to other potential candidates. Neither party has selected its nominee, and early polling offers only a snapshot of voter preferences rather than a prediction of who will win the presidency.

Vice President JD Vance leads the early Republican nomination field, according to RealClearPolitics ' average of surveys conducted from July 19 through Oct. 6. Vance received 39.1% support, followed by Rubio at 23.8% and Donald Trump Jr. at 11.1%. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other potential contenders also feature in the field.

Vance's position gives him an early advantage over other potential Republican candidates, although it does not guarantee that he will secure the nomination. Rubio could also emerge as a serious contender, while other Republicans may enter the race or strengthen their national profiles.

The eventual field will depend on candidates' decisions, fundraising, campaign organizations, and their ability to appeal to primary voters. Early polling can change significantly as the election approaches and voters learn more about the candidates and their positions on major national issues.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is leading early Republican presidential nomination polling X - @VP

Former Vice President Kamala Harris remains a prominent name in discussions about the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Other potential contenders include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have also featured in Democratic primary polling.

However, the available polling information does not establish Harris's current position relative to these potential rivals. Individual surveys can produce different results depending on when they were conducted, whom they surveyed, and how they were designed. A reliable comparison requires recent, date-specific figures from comparable polls or a clearly identified polling average.

Harris also faces questions about the Democratic Party's direction following her defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. A Washington Post report published Oct. 6 described differing views among Democrats over whether Harris should seek the presidential nomination again or whether the party should consider other candidates.

Her previous campaign experience and national profile could keep her in the conversation, but other Democrats may compete for support as the nomination process approaches. The eventual field will depend on which candidates decide to run and how voters respond to their campaigns.

Kamala Harris remains a prominent potential contender in discussions about the 2028 Democratic nomination. Instagram

Vance's lead in the cited Republican polling average puts him in a strong early position, while Harris remains a potential Democratic contender. Neither standing guarantees a party nomination or a general-election victory.

Republican and Democratic voters will choose their parties' nominees through the primary and caucus process. Fundraising, campaign organization, candidate decisions, public opinion and national developments could all reshape the contest before voting begins.

For now, the polling offers an early indication of potential contenders rather than a definitive picture of the 2028 presidential race. The candidates who ultimately emerge will depend on how the campaigns develop and how voters respond when the nomination process begins.