Rubio's Strong Support for Vance in 2028 Race
On July 26, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly praised Vice President JD Vance as a formidable candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Speaking during a recent interview, Rubio highlighted Vance's potential, stating, 'I think Vance would be a great contender for 2028.' This endorsement comes as Vance has been consistently leading early polls and straw surveys among Republican voters for the next presidential cycle.
Rubio's comments reflect a growing sentiment within the Republican Party, where Vance has emerged as the frontrunner. Polls shared on social media platforms like X show Vance commanding significant leads, with figures as high as 61% in a CPAC 2025 straw poll and 46% in a JL Partners survey from May 2025. Rubio's support adds a significant boost to Vance's already strong position among potential GOP candidates.
Rubio's Ambiguity on His Own 2028 Aspirations
While Rubio was effusive in his praise for Vance, he stopped short of ruling out his own bid for the presidency in 2028. When pressed on whether he would consider running, Rubio remained noncommittal, leaving the door open for a potential campaign. 'I'm focused on my current role, but you never know what the future holds,' Rubio noted, signaling that he might still be a contender in the upcoming race.
This ambiguity has sparked discussions among political analysts about a possible competitive primary within the Republican Party. Rubio's name has frequently appeared in early speculation about 2028 candidates, often alongside other prominent figures like Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz. His dual stance of endorsing Vance while not closing off his own ambitions suggests that the 2028 Republican primary could see a crowded and dynamic field.
Early Dynamics of the 2028 Republican Primary
The 2028 presidential race is already shaping up to be a significant contest within the Republican Party, with multiple high-profile figures being mentioned as potential candidates. Alongside Vance and Rubio, names like Ron DeSantis, Ted Cruz, and Vivek Ramaswamy have surfaced in polls and media reports. President Donald Trump himself has hinted at a wide-open race, suggesting that up to 20 Republicans could vie for the nomination, though he specifically name-checked Vance and Rubio as early favorites.
Public sentiment on platforms like X also underscores Vance's dominant position at this stage. Posts frequently highlight his lead in polls, with many users expressing enthusiasm for his potential candidacy. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between endorsements like Rubio's and individual ambitions will likely define the trajectory of the Republican nomination process leading up to 2028.