A new name is gaining traction in early 2028 Republican presidential race discussions—and it’s not JD Vance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unexpectedly risen in popularity among GOP activists and voters in early primary states, creating new dynamics in what was expected to be a clear path for Vice President Vance.
Rubio’s Resurgence in Iowa Surprises Analysts
During a recent visit to Iowa, CNN political analyst Eric Bradner noted an uptick in support for Rubio.
“I was a little surprised how often Marco Rubio’s name came up—often right alongside JD Vance,” Bradner remarked.
Rubio, once critical of Donald Trump, now enjoys favor within the party as a loyal member of the current administration, just like Vance.
A Competitive Race Within Trump’s Inner Circle
Both Vance and Rubio have undergone significant transformations in their political alignment. Despite past public disagreements with Trump, each has become a key figure in the current Republican administration.
According to Bradner, GOP voters now view both men as “team players,” closely tied to the Trump movement.
Rubio Has the Experience Edge
Rubio’s advantage lies in his prior presidential campaign experience. In 2016, he finished third in the Iowa caucuses and built deep grassroots relationships across key states.
“That past effort gave Rubio a strong connection to many early-state Republican voters—people who still remember meeting him personally,” Bradner said.
In contrast, JD Vance is still building his presence in these critical regions.
“They like Vance, but they haven’t had a chance to go through the usual vetting process with him yet,” Bradner added.
Rubio Downplays 2028 Ambitions, Backs Vance Publicly
Despite the buzz, Rubio has publicly endorsed Vance as a strong potential nominee.
“I think JD Vance would be a great nominee if he chooses to run,” Rubio told Fox News. “He’s a close friend and doing a great job as vice president.”
Trump’s Future: Legal Limits and Loopholes
All of this comes as Donald Trump faces a constitutional block on running for a third term.
However, Trump hasn’t ruled out the possibility entirely. In May, he hinted at the overwhelming support for a 2028 bid.
“So many people want me to do it,” Trump said. “But to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do it.”
Interestingly, Trump has already begun selling “Trump 2028” merchandise, further fueling speculation.
Congress Pushes to Change the Constitution
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced a proposed amendment to modify the 22nd Amendment, allowing a president to run for a third term if the first two weren’t consecutive.
The proposal reads:
“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than three times, nor be elected to any additional term after being elected to two consecutive terms.”
The change would block Barack Obama—Trump’s long-time political rival—from running again while potentially opening the door for Trump.
Obama Still Outpolls Trump in Hypothetical Matchup
A recent Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll found Obama would beat Trump in a theoretical election, securing 52% of the vote compared to Trump’s 41%.
Obama holds strong support among Hispanic voters (73%), Black voters (68%), and independent voters (50%), giving him a commanding lead.
Trump Supporters Consider Unusual Path Back to Power
Some political strategists have floated the idea of Trump running as a vice president in 2028, with a loyal ally like Vance as the nominee.
Under this scenario, Vance would step down after winning, allowing Trump to reassume the presidency.
The legality of this move remains questionable, but it’s gaining attention in certain Trump circles.
Other GOP Names in the Mix for 2028
Besides Rubio and Vance, other prominent Republicans may enter the race. They include:
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) – known for winning the 2016 Iowa caucuses.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) – widely discussed for his strong re-election performance and national profile.
- Donald Trump Jr. – the former president’s son has also been floated as a potential future candidate.
Marco Rubio called JD Vance one of his “closest friends in politics” and suggested him as the 2028 Republican nominee for president.
— AF Post (@AFpost) July 28, 2025
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/n6nbPcnYhz
Final Thoughts
While JD Vance was once seen as the clear successor to Trump’s political legacy, Marco Rubio’s recent momentum shows the 2028 GOP race is far from settled. With Trump looming large and potential rule changes on the horizon, the Republican primary could become one of the most unpredictable in recent history.
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