John Kerry, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Former U.S. Secretary of State among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, the former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 06/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kerry for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 82-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kerry so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Aurora Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Aurora (John Kerry's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“John Kerry Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 5 Apr 2026
“Congrats! John has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 5 Apr 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not John Kerry?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 5 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of John Kerry?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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