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2028 Candidates Struggle: No One Surpasses 50% Favorability

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Emerson College Poll indicates that no potential 2028 presidential candidates have a favorability rating above 50%.
Vice President JD Vance leads with 46%, followed by Elon Musk at 40%.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has a 35% rating, while Democratic governors Josh Shapiro and Gavin Newsom both have 33%.
Progressive Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani have ratings of 32% and 26%, respectively.
President Trump has a 41% job approval, down from January 2025, with immigration being his strongest issue, rated an A by 37% of respondents.

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Story summary

The Emerson College Poll indicates that no potential 2028 presidential candidates have a favorability rating above 50%.
Vice President JD Vance leads with 46%, followed by Elon Musk at 40%.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has a 35% rating, while Democratic governors Josh Shapiro and Gavin Newsom both have 33%.
Progressive Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani have ratings of 32% and 26%, respectively.
President Trump has a 41% job approval, down from January 2025, with immigration being his strongest issue, rated an A by 37% of respondents.