Washington D.C. – As President Donald Trump approaches the end of his second term, speculation is mounting over who will carry the mantle of the Republican party in the 2028 presidential election. Current Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are emerging as frontrunners, with Trump himself reportedly evaluating their potential as successors.
According to reports, Trump has been actively gauging opinions on both Vance and Rubio among advisors and donors. At a recent event, he reportedly asked a room of donors for their thoughts, with applause for Rubio being noticeably louder, some attendees noted. This comes as Trump appears to be enjoying a comparative exercise between the two potential candidates, though sources indicate he isn’t yet focused on definitively selecting a successor. He has even reportedly expressed a desire for Vance and Rubio to potentially run on the same ticket.
Despite previously stating he wouldn’t challenge Vance in 2028, Rubio is being considered by Trump as a viable candidate. “If JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in a Vanity Fair interview published late last year. Trump, however, believes Rubio could be electable, and has not publicly criticized Vance or suggested he lacks the ability to win.
The dynamic between Trump and Rubio has evolved significantly since their contentious rivalry during the 2016 Republican primary, where Trump famously nicknamed Rubio “Little Marco.” Following Rubio’s withdrawal from the race, their relationship began to improve. The current situation reflects Trump’s continued influence within the party and his apparent interest in shaping the future of the Republican leadership.
Vance has long been considered a leading contender for the Republican nomination in 2028, and is currently seen as the frontrunner, according to sources. Both Vance and Rubio are being positioned as potential successors to Trump and inheritors of the “MAGA” movement, leading contenders to take up the mantle. The development underscores the ongoing power struggle within the Republican party as it prepares for a post-Trump era.
