In a surprising twist to the early stages of the 2028 presidential race, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emerged as a formidable contender for the Republican nomination, potentially complicating Vice President JD Vance's anticipated pathway to the White House. This development has caught the attention of political analysts and GOP activists alike, particularly in the crucial early primary states.
CNN analyst Eric Bradner highlighted Rubio's rising prominence during a recent visit to Iowa, where the Secretary of State's name was frequently mentioned in discussions about potential candidates. Although Vance has been widely regarded as the heir apparent to President Donald Trump's political legacy, Rubio's increasing visibility suggests a more competitive race may be on the horizon.
"I was a little surprised during a recent visit to Iowa how frequently the name of Secretary of State Marco Rubio came up, often in the same breath as JD Vance," Bradner stated. Both Vance and Rubio have notably shifted their stances towards Trump, moving from past critics to being seen as loyal members of his administration.
Rubio's advantage lies in his previous presidential campaign experience. During the 2016 Republican primaries, he established a network of relationships with voters and activists, particularly in early voting states, finishing third in the Iowa caucuses. These connections have endured, providing Rubio with a base of support that remembers him fondly from his campaign trail visits.
In contrast, Vance, while liked, is less familiar to key primary state voters. "They like Vance, but they don't know him yet. They haven’t had a chance to go through the usual process with him," Bradner remarked, pointing to the importance of personal interactions in early-state politics.
When asked about his presidential ambitions, Rubio has deflected, praising Vance's qualifications. "I think JD Vance would be a great nominee… if he decides he wants to do that," Rubio told Fox News, underscoring the camaraderie between the two politicians.
The backdrop to these discussions is Trump's constitutional limitation to seek a third presidential term. Nevertheless, Trump has hinted at continued interest in the presidency, launching Trump 2028 merchandise and sparking debates about potential workarounds to the 22nd Amendment. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced legislation seeking to modify the amendment, allowing for a third non-consecutive term. This move has reignited discussions about the political futures of both Trump and his opposition figure, former President Barack Obama.
A Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll showed Obama with an 11-point lead over Trump in a theoretical matchup, signaling the enduring influence of both former presidents. Additionally, the possibility of a Trump ally winning the presidency in 2028 and then resigning to make way for Trump has been a topic of speculation among his supporters.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed inquiries about Trump's third-term aspirations, emphasizing the president's candid responses and the public's approval of his tenure. Trump has also floated the idea of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., running for president in the future.
Other potential GOP candidates for 2028 include Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), both of whom have been mentioned in the context of future presidential races. As the campaign landscape begins to take shape, Rubio's acknowledgment of Vance as a close political ally and potential nominee adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
