‘Like Mario Andretti’: CNN’s Harry Enten says one Republican is lapping 2028 presidential field before race has even started

Vice President JD Vance on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025

CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten said Monday that the 2028 Republican presidential race is already taking shape, and Vice President JD Vance has surged far ahead.

Several polls found Vance emerging as a strong early 2028 contender. During a segment on “CNN News Central,” Enten said that while formal declarations remain years away, potential contenders are effectively running now.

“These guys are running already, even if they haven’t formally declared.