The issues that will decide 2028
From the economy and immigration to abortion, healthcare and foreign policy - here are the 20 issues likely to shape the 2028 race, each with a fair, neutral read on how the two parties approach it.
What are the key issues in the 2028 election?
The 2028 presidential race is expected to center on 20 major policy areas: Economy and Inflation, Immigration, Abortion, Healthcare, Taxes, Jobs and Wages, Social Security and Medicare, Guns and Gun Violence, Climate and Energy, Education, Crime and Public Safety, Foreign Policy, Israel and the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia, China and Trade, Tariffs and Trade Policy, Artificial Intelligence, Housing Affordability, Student Debt and Higher Education, Democracy and Elections. The economy and cost of living consistently rank as the top voter concern. Click any issue to see how each party approaches it and which 2028 candidates are most closely associated with it.
Where the candidates stand
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.
The future solvency and structure of the two largest federal entitlement programs for older Americans.
Firearms policy, mass shootings, and the ongoing debate between gun rights and gun safety measures.
Climate change policy, the clean energy transition, fossil fuel production, and energy prices.
K-12 school quality, higher education affordability, parental rights, and curriculum debates.
Violent crime rates, policing reform, criminal justice policy, and the debate over public safety approaches.
America's role in the world, alliances, military posture, and how the U.S. engages with adversaries and partners.
U.S. policy toward Israel, the Palestinian question, and American engagement across the Middle East.
U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, NATO obligations, and the long-term U.S.-Russia relationship.
U.S.-China economic and security competition, tariffs, technology decoupling, and the trade deficit.
The use of tariffs as a tool of economic and foreign policy, and their effects on American consumers and businesses.
Federal AI policy, the regulation of AI systems, AI's effects on jobs, and the U.S. competitive position in AI.
Rising home prices, rental costs, the housing supply shortage, and what the federal government can do about it.
The more than $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loan debt and broader questions about college affordability.
Election integrity, voting access, campaign finance, and the health of democratic institutions.
2028 election issues: FAQ
What are the key issues in the 2028 presidential election?
What will voters care most about in the 2028 election?
How do Democrats and Republicans differ on the 2028 issues?
Will abortion still be a major issue in the 2028 election?
Where can I find where 2028 candidates stand on each issue?
See also: Full 2028 candidate list · Democratic candidates · Republican candidates · Head-to-head matchups