Who can run for president in 2028?
To be eligible, a candidate must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years. The 22nd Amendment adds a fourth constraint: no person may be elected president more than twice. Every major 2028 contender is eligible except Donald Trump and Barack Obama, who have both served two elected terms.
The four eligibility requirements
Article II requires the president to be a natural-born citizen - someone who was a U.S. citizen at birth, either by being born on U.S. soil or born abroad to at least one U.S.-citizen parent. Naturalized citizens (those who became citizens later) are ineligible.
Source: U.S. Constitution, Article II
The 35-year minimum is measured at the time of taking office (Inauguration Day, January 20, 2029), not at the time of filing or campaigning. There is no maximum age limit.
Source: U.S. Constitution, Article II
The candidate must have been a resident within the United States for at least 14 years. This requirement does not have to be continuous and is interpreted as residency at some point in one's life, not immediately before the election.
Source: U.S. Constitution, Article II
A fourth practical constraint: no person may be elected president more than twice. This applies to anyone who has won two presidential elections, regardless of whether the terms were consecutive. Two-term presidents like Donald Trump and Barack Obama are barred.
Major contenders who can run
Never elected president; meets all Article II requirements.
Was VP, not president; never elected to the presidency.
Natural-born citizen, over 35, never elected president.
Natural-born citizen, will be 46 at inauguration, never elected president.
Born in New York in 1989; will be 39 at the January 20, 2029 inauguration - above the 35 minimum.
Natural-born citizen, over 35, never elected president.
Who is barred and why
Elected president in 2016 and 2024 - two elected terms, the 22nd Amendment maximum.
Full eligibility analysisElected president in 2008 and 2012 - two elected terms, the 22nd Amendment maximum.
Full eligibility analysisBorn in Kampala, Uganda in 1991 and naturalized in 2018; not a natural-born citizen under Article II.
Full eligibility analysisEligibility questions by candidate
No - barred by the 22nd Amendment after winning in 2016 and 2024.
No - barred by the 22nd Amendment after winning in 2008 and 2012.
Almost certainly not - the 12th Amendment bars anyone ineligible for the presidency from the vice presidency.
Almost certainly not - same 12th Amendment bar as applies to Trump.
Yes - natural-born citizen born in New York; will be 39 at the January 2029 inauguration.
No - born in Uganda and naturalized in 2018; not a natural-born citizen.
Yes - conviction is not among the three constitutional eligibility requirements.
No - the Constitution requires a natural-born citizen.
Any natural-born citizen who is at least 35, a 14-year resident, and has not already been elected president twice.
2028 presidential eligibility: FAQ
Who can run for president in 2028?
Can Donald Trump run for president in 2028?
Can Barack Obama run for president in 2028?
Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez eligible to run for president in 2028?
Is Zohran Mamdani eligible to run for president?
Can a naturalized citizen run for president?
Can a felon run for president?
Can Trump or Obama be vice president in 2028?
Related pages
Full 2028 candidate trackerDemocratic candidatesRepublican candidatesCan Trump run in 2028?All 2028 election questions2028 election odds
Source: U.S. Constitution, Article II and 22nd Amendment. Last reviewed: 2026-06-28.