Full Breakdown
Favorability Ratings of Potential 2028 Presidential Candidates
1/23/2026, 12:54:34 AM
Overview of Candidate Favorability
A recent Emerson College Polling survey reveals that no American politician with potential presidential aspirations for 2028 has achieved a favorability rating exceeding 50 percent. Vice President JD Vance, viewed as a leading figure in the MAGA movement and a likely successor to President Donald Trump, topped the poll with a favorability rating of 46 percent. However, he also faced significant disapproval, with 41 percent of respondents expressing unfavorable views and 13 percent remaining uncertain.
Key Candidates and Their Ratings
Following Vance, tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has no prior political experience, garnered a favorability rating of 40 percent. Nonetheless, 46 percent of respondents indicated they would not support his candidacy, with 14 percent unsure. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson received a favorability rating of 35 percent, but 28 percent of respondents were unsure or unfamiliar with him, while 38 percent expressed disapproval.
Democratic governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Gavin Newsom of California each received a favorability rating of 33 percent. Notably, Newsom faced more disapproval than Shapiro, with 44 percent of respondents viewing him unfavorably compared to 27 percent for Shapiro. Progressive Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani followed, with Ocasio-Cortez at 32 percent favorability and Mamdani at 26 percent. Mamdani's recent election may contribute to the uncertainty surrounding his public perception, as 32 percent of respondents were unsure about him.
The only other conservative candidate in the top eight was former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had a favorability rating of 17 percent, overshadowed by 50 percent disapproval and a third of respondents unsure of her.
Current Presidential Approval Ratings
The poll also assessed President Donald Trump's job approval, which stands at 41 percent, juxtaposed with a 50 percent disapproval rating. This marks a notable shift from January 2025, when Trump first returned to the presidency. When asked to grade Trump on key issues, immigration received the highest marks, with 37 percent of respondents awarding him an A. In contrast, his performance on the economy and healthcare drew significant criticism, with 36 percent giving him an F in both categories.
Criticism and Opposition
The survey results highlight a general dissatisfaction among voters regarding potential candidates and the current administration. Critics may argue that the low favorability ratings reflect a lack of confidence in the political landscape, suggesting that both established and emerging figures are struggling to resonate with the electorate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Read our Privacy notice No American politician with the potential to launch a presidential campaign in 2028 currently has a favorability rating above 50 percent, a new poll has found.” — Emerson College Polling
This polling data underscores the challenges facing both established politicians and newcomers as they navigate the complex political environment leading up to the 2028 presidential election.
