Louisiana Senator John Kennedy has confirmed that he is contemplating a run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, particularly if the Republican Party ends up with lackluster candidates.
During an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Kennedy didn't hesitate when asked directly about his intentions, stating simply, "Yes."
The 74-year-old legislator clarified that his primary goal remains seeking reelection to the Senate—his current term also expires in 2028—but he has left the door open under specific circumstances.
Potential Presidential Run Hinges on Republican Field
Kennedy has set conditions for his possible entry into the presidential race. He would consider running if he feels he is no longer effective in the Senate or if the Republican field is dominated by weak candidates. "My current plan is to run for reelection, but as I've said before, if I think I can't be effective in the Senate anymore, I'd consider it. If in my party, a bunch of inept people run, and I think they are inept and one of them could win, and I believe I can do better, I'd consider running," he affirmed.
Adding a humorous touch, he remarked, "Why not me on a rainy day? Why not me to brighten your day?"
The Shadow of JD Vance and Republican Prospects
JD Vance, the Vice President, is a prominent figure in any Republican conversation about 2028, currently leading polls with nearly 40% of support among Republicans. Kennedy refrained from making direct comparisons. "I'm not going to talk about another potential candidate. I'm not ready yet. I assume JD will run," he stated.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been gaining traction in Republican polls for 2028, despite declaring last September that he "has no plans at this time" to run. Former President Donald Trump suggested a formidable team-up, noting that "JD and Marco together would be hard to beat."
Texas Senator Ted Cruz is also considered a likely contender; Vance himself remarked that it was "pretty obvious" Cruz was in the race.
Kennedy expressed that having a wide field would be beneficial for both parties: "I think it will be good for both parties to have a full field."
Campaigning Across States Independently
In the same interview, Kennedy discussed his travels across various states to support Republican candidates in the midterm elections. He visited Ohio to back Senator Jon Husted, who is in a tight race against former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, and New Hampshire to support former Senator John Sununu. Kennedy also plans to visit Texas and Michigan.
He emphasized his independence from party leadership, stating, "I have my own political operation. I don't take orders from my leadership. I do it my way."
This tour, which includes New Hampshire—the first state in the presidential primary calendar—fuels speculation about his ambitions beyond the Senate.
Louisiana's Role in National Politics
Kennedy is not the only Louisiana politician eyeing a 2028 presidential run. Mitch Landrieu, former mayor and lieutenant governor of New Orleans, told Politico in September that he is also "considering" a bid, this time for the Democratic Party.
No candidate has officially announced their candidacy in either party yet. Since joining the Senate in January 2017, Kennedy has become known for his sharp questioning during Senate hearings, adding his name to a growing list of figures considering their options ahead of the first Republican succession in over a decade.
FAQs on John Kennedy's Potential Presidential Run
Why is John Kennedy considering a presidential run in 2028?
John Kennedy is considering a run for the presidency if he feels ineffective in the Senate or if the Republican Party is led by weak candidates.
What are Kennedy's plans if he doesn't run for president?
Kennedy's primary plan is to seek reelection to the Senate in 2028.
Who are the other potential Republican candidates for 2028?
Potential Republican candidates include JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz.