The Presidential election may have only have been a few short months ago, and voters are still reeling from the constant ads and speeches, but it’s never too early to think about the next go-around in 2016. Discussion and speculation has already begun to swirl around in the political arena. Winning a second term, President Obama is unable to run for a third term, leaving the door to the White House wide open for a new leader and new era for America.

Not since the time of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe has there been three consecutive two-term presidents. Now, two hundred years later, President Obama’s win in November caps off yet another trio of two-term Presidents that includes former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Now, in 2013, it is both unfortunate and exciting to start talking about the 2016 election. It’s unfortunate in that people all across the nation from both sides of the political spectrum are still tired and weary from the last battle for the White House. It’s exciting, however, to once again begin thinking about potential candidates for the highest office in the land, especially in an election year where a new candidate is certain to win.

In reality, the race begins in two years when candidates begin announcing their intention to run and start campaigning in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, hoping to get a head-start on the competition.

Now, as for the actual candidates, favorites have appeared for both parties, but with the election over three years away that will obviously be subject to change.

For Democrats, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is seen as a strong candidate with the Democratic nomination hers to lose. Even after she lost her tough primary fight against then Senator Barack Obama back in 2008, several people began speculating that 2008 wasn’t Clinton’s last time running for President.

The former First Lady and Senator says she doesn’t have any formal plans for her life after serving in President Obama’s cabinet as the nation’s top diplomat, Secterary of State. She does plan on writing new memoirs, speaking out on important issues, and regaining her health after a crazy few years for her. She has constantly denied any presidential aspirations in 2016, but hasn’t exactly ruled out a possible White House run. She said in a joint interview with President Obama on 60 Minutes, “I don’t think, you know, either he or I can make predictions about what’s going to happen tomorrow or the next year.” Many believe if she is healthy, she’ll run. Clinton does lead among Democratic candidates in 2016.

Other Democrats being mentioned are New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and even Vice President Joe Biden, who has publicly displayed interest. Of course, many more candidates will surface as 2016 nears.

As for Republicans, 2016 is seen an incredible opportunity, to not only secure the White House, but help build a new identity of the party. New Jersey governor Chris Christie is viewed by many to be the favorite for the Republican nomination. A colorful character, Chris Christie is seen by many within the party as the prime conservative candidate to regain the White House for Republicans. Christie had continually denied interest in running in 2012 and has since become a very favorably viewed politician both within New Jersey and across the nation.

Other candidates on the Republican bench include former Utah governor Jon Huntsman, former Florida governor Jeb Bush, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, and former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Perhaps the most interesting possible Republican candidate in 2016 could be Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who was recently named the “Savior of the Republican Party” by TIME magazine. Rubio could help gain back Hispanic support for Republicans and revitalize the party with his youth and charisma.

Despite all the speculation, the next election is still over three years away and much could change in the coming months and years. Much is still to be written about our current time and many issues are to be solved before Americans turn their heads to 2016. One thing is certain, however., the 2016 presidential election will be exciting and will surely change America and set her on a course toward an uncertain future.