Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Sunday that he is considering a run for president in 2028, while stressing that his immediate focus remains reelection to the Senate.

Appearing on NBC's Meet the Press, the 74-year-old senator responded affirmatively when asked if he was thinking about a presidential campaign. "Yeah," Kennedy told moderator Kristen Welker. He added that his current plans center on seeking another Senate term but that he would reconsider if he no longer believed he could be effective in Congress.

Kennedy, known for his folksy style and pointed one-liners, said he would weigh a bid if "a bunch of goobers" entered the Republican field and he concluded that one of them might win while he could do a better job. "On my side of the aisle, if a bunch of goobers run, and I think they’re goobers and one of the goobers might win, and I think I could do a better job, I would consider running," he stated. "But right now, I’m running for re-election."

The senator declined to discuss Vice President JD Vance or other potential 2028 contenders when pressed on why voters might choose him instead. "I’m not going to talk about another potential candidate," Kennedy said.

Kennedy faces reelection to the Senate in 2028, the same cycle as the presidential contest. He has previously left the door open to a White House run in earlier interviews this year, noting that some wealthy supporters have encouraged him to consider it while reiterating his focus on Senate work.

No Republican candidates have formally announced for 2028. Speculation centers on a crowded primary field that could include high-profile figures from the Trump administration and Congress.