Currently, President Trump is at the forefront of political discussions, but soon, all eyes will shift toward the 2028 election.
Trump has occasionally entertained the idea of a third term, a notion supported by some fervent Maga advocates, including Steve Bannon.
Most experts agree that this pursuit would be, frankly, unconstitutional. After all, Trump will be 82 by the time the 2028 Election Day rolls around.
If he concludes his second term, the competition to succeed him will likely be intense.
Tomorrow, another ranking focused on Democrats aiming for 2028 will be unveiled, but for now, let’s examine the current Republican contenders.
1. Vice President Vance
Vice President Vance stands out as a likely successor to Trump.
This is partly because he’s relatively young as a sitting vice president.
However, there are specific qualities that set Vance apart. He has moved past his earlier criticisms of Trump—from pondering whether Trump could be “American Hitler” back in 2016 to gaining acceptance within the Maga community.
His personal narrative, found in his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” resonates with Trump’s working-class base.
He aligns with Trump’s views on foreign policy, as evidenced by his support for Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky earlier this year.
Vance may battle with the media, but he hasn’t made many enemies within the Trump-led GOP. Others, like Defense Secretary Pete Hegses and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are more polarizing figures in the party.
Still, some of Vance’s political strategies raise eyebrows. A controversial remark about “childless cat women” from last year brought him some discomfort.
As it stands, Vance appears to be the front-runner for the Republican nomination.
2. Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. ranks high on this list, though it’s not entirely due to any proven political prowess—his potential primarily springs from being the son of the former president.
The elder Trump navigated numerous challenges, including the events of January 6 and subsequent legal troubles.
The key question is whether his supporters will extend their loyalty to his son.
Currently, Trump Jr. primarily engages in promotional social media activity and co-hosts a fiery podcast named “Triggers,” which aligns with his business interests.
There’s a lingering uncertainty about whether he carries over his father’s negatives without matching the positives among the GOP base.
Regardless, a second Trump candidacy deserves serious consideration.
3. Senator Tom Cotton (Ark)
Senator Tom Cotton’s choice to forgo the 2024 race seems wise in hindsight.
It’s likely that Trump was the winner for anyone contesting against him, and Cotton’s relationship with the Maga faithful was largely unscathed.
An Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Cotton resonates with many Republican voters through his military service.
Recently, he suggested that former special advisor Jack Smith should be investigated for influencing the election, showcasing his willingness to mobilize against perceived injustices.
Cotton is a compelling speaker and has a diplomatic view of foreign policy that contrasts with Vance’s stance.
If he opts to run in 2028, he’ll immediately be seen as a leading candidate.
4. Senator Ted Cruz (Texas)
Even though the 2016 GOP Primary feels like a distant past, Senator Ted Cruz was a formidable opponent to Trump’s nomination.
The primary season was marked by acrimony, with Trump leveling bizarre accusations against Cruz’s family, resulting in a tit-for-tat exchange.
Since then, Cruz has molded himself to fit a Trump-friendly image, and he remains one of the most recognized Republicans.
His staunch conservatism is clear, especially on cultural and economic issues.
The bigger question is whether some within the Maga movement are still wary of him to support a campaign.
5. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio faces challenges similar to Cruz, yet his current role in the Trump administration has bolstered his profile.
Rubio, like Cruz, initially targeted Trump during the 2016 race, exchanging barbs along the way.
Nowadays, he often appears on television defending Trump’s foreign policy.
Interestingly, Rubio has been trying to bridge the gap between the Maga movement’s isolationist tendencies and the more traditional hawkish stance he held earlier.
Yet, there remains a sense that Rubio hasn’t quite fulfilled the promise he once showed.
He was first elected over 15 years ago, with 2013’s Time Magazine labeling him the “savior of the Republican Party.”
However, many Republican voters seem to disagree.
6. FL Governor Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis has recently bolstered his status among Trump loyalists by defending the contentious immigration detention facility at Wani Alcatraz in Florida.
While Trump visited the site, it’s ultimately DeSantis who oversees it.
A judge had ordered the facility closed amid significant scrutiny, though DeSantis announced plans for a second location.
This move positioned DeSantis as a major contender for the 2024 nomination.
However, the overwhelming nature of his campaign may have hindered his future aspirations.
7. Senator Josh Hawley (Missouri)
Senator Josh Hawley could emerge as a surprising candidate if he decides to run in 2028.
He’s a distinct voice among Republicans, appealing to the working class more than others do.
Hawley has voiced strong critiques of Congressional stock trading and collaborated with Senator Bernie Sanders on issues like capping credit card interest rates.
He’s also taken a pro-labor position, advocating for fair practices in union negotiations.
However, some view Hawley’s efforts as disingenuous, especially given his strong social conservatism. Additionally, he faces skepticism from some within his party.
Nonetheless, his candidacy could present an intriguing option for 2028.
8. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia)
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene represents a particularly controversial figure within the GOP landscape.
Since taking office in 2020, she’s ignited significant debate, including a heated exchange with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Greene has also allied herself with fellow Republicans and Maga influencers, solidifying her presence.
Interestingly, Greene has spoken out against Israeli actions in Gaza, labeling them as “genocide.” She followed this with comments criticizing her party for not focusing on everyday Americans.
Will she hold widespread appeal? Many doubt it, and nominating her could be seen as a risky endeavor for the GOP.
9. Senator Tim Scott (SC)
Senator Tim Scott is a recognized figure even in a broader, more intense Senate landscape, often commended by Trump and various GOP factions.
As the only Black Republican Senator, he might enhance outreach to Black voters if the party makes headway in the nominations.
However, Scott’s previous candidacy in 2020 didn’t gain traction, leading to doubts about whether he can surpass other contenders on this list in 2028.
