Speculations Surrounding 2028 Republican Nomination
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly expressed strong support for Vice President J.D. Vance as the leading candidate for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, assuming Vance decides to run.
An unnamed source close to Rubio indicated that he believes Vance will be the Republican nominee if he chooses to pursue it.
“It’s not expected for Rubio to resign and oppose the current vice president,” another source mentioned. “They’re friends.”
Another insider suggested that if Vance were to secure the nomination, Rubio might become his running mate.
As the conversation about who might follow President Trump in the Republican sphere grows, he has often pointed to Vance and Rubio as potential successors. Trump has even hinted at the possibility of them running on the same ticket in 2028.
This idea surfaced during a discussion on Air Force One last month, where Trump reflected on prospective 2028 candidates and the appeal of a Vance-Rubio ticket.
“We have JD. I think the vice president is great. I think Marco is great. I don’t know if anyone else will challenge us,” said Trump. “If they team up, I believe it’s an unbeatable combination.”
The president commented on the Democratic Party, stating, “We’ve got solid candidates, but they don’t. They have Jasmine Crockett and AOC, and honestly, I find their intelligence lacking.”
According to a recent poll from mid-October, among voters who supported Trump and Vance in 2024, Vance was viewed favorably. About 35% of responders preferred Rubio for the next presidential election, yet only a small percentage actively mentioned his name. Surprisingly, 16% couldn’t name another candidate, and 28% expressed a preference for Trump again, although that’s not feasible due to term limits.
“If you’re a Republican eyeing 2028, your priority should be maintaining party strength until 2026. It’s vital to focus not solely on oneself but also on the team,” advised James Blair, the political director of Trump’s 2024 campaign.
A former campaign staffer suggested that it wouldn’t be a shock if Rubio considered the vice presidency under Vance. In 2028, Rubio will be 57, while Vance, if he wins two terms, could be 52 by the close of his presidency.
Vance, currently 44, has time ahead of him, and should he succeed Trump and serve two terms, he would be 52.
