Sen. John Kennedy is not ruling out a run for the White House in 2028.
The Louisiana Republican said Tuesday that while his current focus remains on the upcoming midterm elections and his Senate reelection campaign, he has considered the possibility of seeking the presidency.
Kennedy made the remarks during an appearance on “Katie Pavlich Tonight.”
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Asked about a potential White House bid, Kennedy said he believes he could be as effective, or more effective, than some of the politicians who may eventually enter the race.
“A lot of people enter the field, and I think they are goobers,” Kennedy said.
“I’ve had some people talk to me about it. Why not me? That’s kind of how I look at it. But I’m not saying I will do it,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy stopped short of announcing any plans and emphasized that no decisions have been made.
The senator said the political landscape can change dramatically in a relatively short period of time.
“Two years in our political world and in America’s history right now is a long time,” Kennedy said.
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“You don’t know what things are going to look like,” Kennedy added.
Kennedy said speculation about a presidential run remains just that for now.
He noted that his attention is currently focused on the Senate and helping Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
GOP’s Favorite Folksy Senator Leaves The Door Open For 2028 White House Run: “Kennedy, I think, would be in a position to attract some support nationally.” https://t.co/vMI1CpCVZV
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 16, 2026
The Louisiana lawmaker has become one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable voices in Congress thanks to his blunt speaking style and colorful political commentary.
His remarks come as early discussions about the 2028 presidential race continue to grow within both major parties.
President Donald Trump is serving his second term and is constitutionally barred from seeking another term in office.
As a result, attention has increasingly turned toward potential Republican and Democratic contenders who could emerge in the next presidential cycle.
While Kennedy declined to speculate extensively about who may run on the Republican side, he did offer his assessment of the current Democratic Party.
The senator argued that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has become the party’s most influential figure.
Kennedy said Ocasio-Cortez’s standing within the Democratic Party has been strengthened by the support of independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“As the midterms approach, I think Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the leader of the Democratic Party,” Kennedy said.
He also criticized the political philosophy of several prominent progressive leaders.
“These folks, they’re socialists,” Kennedy said.
“They believe in socialism at the ballot box.”
Kennedy has frequently targeted progressive policies during television appearances and Senate floor speeches, often arguing that Democratic proposals would expand the role of government too far.
Despite Democratic gains in some recent elections, Kennedy predicted Republicans will perform well in the 2026 midterms.
He argued that voters are unlikely to embrace the policies promoted by the party’s progressive wing.
Kennedy said he believes the American public will ultimately reject what he described as a socialist agenda.
Kennedy was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and won reelection in 2022.
Before joining the Senate, he served as Louisiana’s state treasurer.
While Kennedy left open the possibility of a presidential campaign, he repeatedly emphasized that any discussion about 2028 remains premature.
For now, he said, his focus remains on helping Republicans retain and expand their congressional majorities while preparing for his own reelection campaign.
Whether Kennedy ultimately enters the 2028 presidential race remains uncertain, NewsNation reported.
But his comments suggest he is at least willing to consider the possibility if the political environment develops in a way that makes a run viable.
For now, the Louisiana senator says he is keeping his options open.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
