Kennedy opens door to 2028 run

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told NBC News' Meet the Press that he is considering a presidential run in 2028 when asked by moderator Kristen Welker.

Senate re-election comes first

Kennedy said his current plans are to run for re-election to the Senate, but he would consider a presidential bid if he could not be effective there.

“My plans right now are to run for re-election, but as I've said before, if I don't think I can be effective in the Senate anymore, I would consider it.”

Kennedy up for re-election in 2028

Kennedy is up for re-election to the Senate in 2028, the same year as the presidential election, which shapes his current political calculations.

Goobers and the presidential field

Kennedy said if a bunch of candidates he considers goobers run and one might win, he would consider running if he thought he could do a better job.

“On my side of the aisle, if a bunch of goobers run, and I think they're goobers and one of the goobers might win, and I think I could do a better job, I would consider running.”

Declines to compare with Vance

Vice President JD Vance is widely considered a likely presidential candidate in 2028. Kennedy declined to discuss Vance when asked why voters should pick him over the vice president.

“I'm not going to talk about another potential candidate. I'm just not there yet.”

Field of candidates emerging

Multiple politicians on both sides of the aisle are considering 2028 runs or have not ruled it out, though none have formally announced yet. Kennedy thinks a full field would be good for both parties.

First race without Trump as nominee

The 2028 presidential election will be the first time since 2012 in which Trump will not be the Republican nominee, reshaping the party's field.