Vice President JD Vance is increasingly viewed by President Donald Trump as the preferred successor for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, according to insiders. Trump has reportedly stopped asking about Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential heir and now praises Vance's performance.
Vance has gained prominence by promoting a new memoir, appearing frequently on television, and negotiating an end to the Iran war. A senior Trump adviser told Axios that Vance is “earning it” and that Rubio “wasn't planning to run anyway, and he'd be even less likely to do so now.” Recent polls show Vance as the hypothetical GOP frontrunner by a wide margin.
Despite the positive attention, Vance faces political liabilities. He is closely tied to Silicon Valley and his mentor Peter Thiel, which could be problematic given economic concerns over AI and housing costs. His recent feud with the Pope may alienate some Christian voters, and he is often mocked online.
Vance has said he is not focused on 2028, stating his priority is helping Republicans retain their congressional majority in the November midterms. He noted that he and his wife will discuss their future when necessary.
Rubio, meanwhile, has stayed somewhat removed from contentious domestic issues and is involved in negotiations to topple the Cuban regime, a goal that could boost his standing among Florida's Republican expat community. His Spanish-speaking background might also help win back Latino voters alienated by Trump's deportation policies.
