Sen. John Kennedy says he’s contemplating operating for president

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., informed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he’s contemplating a run for president in 2028.

Asked by moderator Kristen Welker whether or not he was enthusiastic about operating for president, Kennedy replied, “Yeah.”

“My plans proper now are to run for re-election, however as I’ve mentioned earlier than, if I don’t assume I may be efficient within the Senate anymore, I’d contemplate it,” he mentioned.

A slew of politicians on either side of the aisle have acknowledged that they’re contemplating operating for president in 2028 or have declined to rule out the chance. None, although, have formally introduced but that they’re operating. Kennedy, too, mentioned that he has not decided.

“On my aspect of the aisle, if a bunch of goobers run, and I feel they’re goobers and one of many goobers may win, and I feel I may do a greater job, I’d contemplate operating,” he mentioned. “But proper now, I’m operating for re-election.”

Kennedy is up for re-election in 2028.

Vice President JD Vance is extensively thought of a possible presidential candidate in 2028. Kennedy, although, declined to speak about Vance when requested why voters ought to choose the senator over the vp.

“I’m not going to speak about one other potential candidate,” he mentioned. “I’m simply not there but.”

He added that he thinks “it’ll be good for each events to have a full discipline.”

President Donald Trump has beforehand floated each Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors. In September, Rubio said he has “no plans right now” to run for president.

NBC News previously reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has talked about doubtlessly operating for president in 2028, which a Pentagon spokesperson denied. Separately, Vance told NBC News final week that it was “actually apparent to me” that Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was operating for president in 2028.

The 2028 presidential election would be the first time since 2012 through which Trump is not going to be the Republican nominee.