The first contours of a Republican succession battle are beginning to emerge, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly telling close associates that he believes Vice President J.D. Vance is the frontrunner for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination and that he would support him if he chooses to run.
According to a report by Politico, citing two sources familiar with Rubio’s views, the secretary of state is convinced that Vance is the “natural candidate” to succeed President Donald Trump. The report suggests that Rubio’s support reflects a growing focus among some Republicans on a post-Trump era, less than a year into the president’s new term.
One person close to Rubio told the magazine that the secretary was “very clear that if J.D. Vance wants to be the Republican nominee, he will be,” and that he has expressed this view in both private and public conversations. Another source confirmed that “the secretary will do everything he can to support the vice president in that path.”
The talk of succession has been amplified by the Republican party’s lacklustre performance in last Tuesday’s local elections, which has raised concerns that the absence of Trump’s name on the ballot in 2028 could make it difficult to mobilise voters—a point Trump himself has alluded to.
Trump has on several occasions suggested that Vance and Rubio are the most likely to succeed him, and last week he even proposed that the two could run on a single ticket. While both men have stressed their friendship and denied any rivalry, speculation is mounting over who will lead the “Make America Great Again” movement in the future.
“No one expects Marco to resign from the administration and start attacking the current vice president. They’re friends, after all,” a second source familiar with their relationship told Politico.
A source close to the White House told the magazine that “the prevailing expectation is that Vance will be the presidential candidate and Rubio will be his vice president.” A Politico poll conducted between 18 and 21 October showed Vance leading among Trump voters with 35%, compared to just 2% for Rubio, while 28% said they would prefer Trump himself.
While a joint Vance-Rubio ticket could solidify their image as Trump’s potential successors, the polls also highlight the work required to win over undecided voters or those who favour Trump serving a third term.
Several other members of Trump’s current administration have previously sought the presidency, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. However, none are seen as having as serious a chance of winning Trump’s endorsement as Vance and Rubio.
Before their executive branch roles, Vance and Rubio were colleagues in the Senate, where they were known to lunch together and discuss films and national defence. They also collaborated on legislation aimed at reviving the nation’s defence production.
For now, both men have been careful to dismiss any talk of a rivalry. Although Rubio has publicly stated that Vance “would be a fantastic candidate,” Politico notes that positions could change, as is common in presidential politics. The 2028 election is still a long way off, and the political landscape will undoubtedly shift with time and the results of the upcoming midterm elections.
