The 2028 agenda

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.

Economy and Inflation

How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.

Immigration

Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.

Abortion

Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.

Healthcare

Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.

Taxes

Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.

Jobs and Wages

Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.

Social Security and Medicare

The future solvency and structure of the two largest federal entitlement programs for older Americans.

Guns and Gun Violence

Firearms policy, mass shootings, and the ongoing debate between gun rights and gun safety measures.

Climate and Energy

Climate change policy, the clean energy transition, fossil fuel production, and energy prices.

Education

K-12 school quality, higher education affordability, parental rights, and curriculum debates.

Crime and Public Safety

Violent crime rates, policing reform, criminal justice policy, and the debate over public safety approaches.

Foreign Policy

America's role in the world, alliances, military posture, and how the U.S. engages with adversaries and partners.

Israel and the Middle East

U.S. policy toward Israel, the Palestinian question, and American engagement across the Middle East.

Ukraine and Russia

U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, NATO obligations, and the long-term U.S.-Russia relationship.

China and Trade

U.S.-China economic and security competition, tariffs, technology decoupling, and the trade deficit.

Tariffs and Trade Policy

The use of tariffs as a tool of economic and foreign policy, and their effects on American consumers and businesses.

Artificial Intelligence

Federal AI policy, the regulation of AI systems, AI's effects on jobs, and the U.S. competitive position in AI.

Housing Affordability

Rising home prices, rental costs, the housing supply shortage, and what the federal government can do about it.

Student Debt and Higher Education

The more than $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loan debt and broader questions about college affordability.

Democracy and Elections

Election integrity, voting access, campaign finance, and the health of democratic institutions.