Vice President JD Vance might be in a strong position to secure the 2028 Republican presidential nomination before any votes are actually cast, but that hasn’t happened yet. Being a sitting vice president certainly gives him a notable edge. Since 1960, eight vice presidents have sought their party’s nomination, with seven successfully doing so. The only exception was Mike Pence, who served under President Trump. Notably, three of those who succeeded—Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and Joe Biden—worked particularly hard to achieve the presidency.
Historically, candidates like Vance have bolstered their chances by investing early in pivotal states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina. Building goodwill in these areas can pave the way for securing early endorsements.
His team should focus on nurturing relationships with Republican leaders and supporting candidates at various levels during the 2025 and 2026 election cycles. Cultivating goodwill in states like Iowa, where the first primary vote occurs, is particularly crucial. Many local political influencers become key figures in 2028, and their backing can significantly affect the race.
Meanwhile, Vance is already establishing a robust fundraising network. His previous role as chairman of the Republican National Committee’s finance team showcased his talent for attracting donors and achieving impressive fundraising targets. For instance, he raised $2 million in one night at a New York City fundraiser, with some couples contributing as much as $250,000. In Nantucket, he amassed $3 million, setting a new GOP fundraising record for the area. A single event at Jackson Hole and Big Sky added another $4 million to the RNC’s total. Under his guidance, the party had raised over $96 million by mid-2025, surpassing the DNC in both fundraising and available cash.
His fundraising achievements indicate a potential for a national campaign backed by significant GOP donors and an expanding influence. Yet, it can be difficult to maintain that kind of enthusiasm over several years. The ability to generate substantial funds not only supports campaign operations but also fosters loyalty and manages party dynamics.
To build on this momentum, Vice President Vance should focus on establishing state-level PACs that comply with local campaign finance regulations. These PACs would enable his team to back targeted candidates in state and local elections, while also nurturing political loyalty and identifying grassroots leaders. It’s crucial that these PACs adhere to the Federal Election Commission’s Advisory Opinion 2023-09.
Rather than confining his efforts to early voting states, Vance should consider creating PACs across all 50 states before the mid-term elections in 2026. This strategy would allow him to support a variety of Downballot Republican candidates, bolster state parties, and forge connections with activists, donors, and elected officials nationwide. This expansive network not only provides campaign support but also long-term political leverage.
Once he secures early states and has his financial operations running smoothly, he could gain significant momentum leading up to Super Tuesday, when many delegates are up for grabs. Each win would help build his delegate count toward qualifying for the nomination before other candidates can gain traction.
If JD Vance maintains his current path of fostering relationships, raising funds, and forming a compliant PAC network, he could enter the 2028 primary season as a frontrunner.
