Archive · 12 Sep 2026
JD Vance Emerges as Early Republican Frontrunner for 2028
JD Vance is the vice president and a rising leader in the Republican Party.
Some Republicans are already supporting him for president in 2028.
A poll found him ahead of other possible Republican candidates.
However, more people in that poll viewed him negatively than positively.
Vance has been giving speeches and raising money for Republican candidates.
He is also trying to keep support for President Donald Trump’s movement.
Senator Ted Cruz may challenge him in the future.
Democrats say Vance is not strong enough to lead the movement after Trump.
The article argues that Democrats should take Vance’s political skills more seriously.
Vice President JD Vance has become a prominent Republican fundraiser, speaker and potential 2028 presidential contender.
A September Bowling Green State University poll gave Vance 44% support among potential Republican nominees, ahead of Marco Rubio at 21%.
Vance’s favorability remained negative, with 52% unfavorable and 37% favorable in the same poll.
Vance is campaigning for Republicans in competitive 2026 races and chairs the Republican National Committee’s finance committee.
Potential rival Ted Cruz has criticized Vance, while Donald Trump has called him a talented and effective vice president.
- Who
- Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic critics including Governor Gavin Newsom.
- What
- Vance is emerging as an early Republican favorite for the 2028 presidential nomination while expanding his role in Republican fundraising and campaigning.
- When
- The discussion concerns the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race; the cited poll was conducted in September.
- Where
- Vance has made campaign appearances in Michigan and Maine, while the Republican National Committee operates nationally.
- Why
- Vance is gaining visibility through speeches, fundraising, campaign appearances and his position as Trump’s vice president, although he faces low favorability and possible Republican rivals.
Democratic Skeptics
Vance Supporters
Vance’s leadership potential
Democratic Skeptics
Democrats such as Gavin Newsom argue that Trump’s movement is centered on Trump personally and that Vance lacks the strength to lead it afterward.
Vance Supporters
The article argues that Vance has become a confident speaker, fundraiser and campaigner with growing ties across Trump’s movement.
2028 prospects
Democratic Skeptics
Skeptics point to Vance’s historically low favorability and his record of changing political positions as weaknesses.
Vance Supporters
Supporters point to his leading position in the cited Republican poll, his vice presidency and his national fundraising role.
Relationship with Trump
Democratic Skeptics
Vance’s future depends heavily on whether Trump ultimately treats him as the successor to the movement.
Vance Supporters
Trump has praised Vance’s talent, appearance, credentials and performance as vice president, suggesting continued support.
- Poll support
- A Bowling Green State University poll found 44% support for Vance among potential Republican 2028 nominees.
- Polling rival
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio received 21% in the same poll.
- Favorability
- The poll reported 52% unfavorable and 37% favorable views of Vance.
- Republican role
- Vance chairs the Republican National Committee’s finance committee.
- RNC funds
- The Republican National Committee had $130 million in cash on hand at the end of July, according to the article.
- Campaign activity
- Vance has campaigned for Republicans in competitive races in Michigan and Maine.
- Potential challenger
- Senator Ted Cruz has criticized Vance’s role in settling the Iran conflict.