Here’s who could fill Trump’s shoes.
In a major boost for the “America First” movement, a shocking new poll reveals Vice President JD Vance as the overwhelming favorite for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
Vance Pulls Away From the Field
According to the Emerson College Polling survey, released Friday, Vance commands a strong 46% support among Republican primary voters, far outpacing other big-name contenders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio comes in a distant second with just 12%, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trails further behind at 9%.
Independent candidate and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. registers 5%, while both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley received only 2%.
Six other names—including several 2024 also-rans—barely registered, with 1% or less. Meanwhile, 17% of respondents remain undecided, signaling that Vance’s lead could grow even stronger.
MAGA Movement Rallies Behind Vance
This new data shows a major surge for Vance since Emerson’s November 2024 poll, where he held 30%. Back then, half of Republican voters were undecided, with DeSantis and 2024 GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy polling in the single digits.
Emerson’s polling director Spencer Kimball confirmed what many already suspected: JD Vance has “solidified” his position as the Republican frontrunner. The Vice President is especially popular with voters over 60 and men—two key demographics that helped deliver victories for President Donald Trump.
Trump Weighs In — But No Endorsement Yet
President Trump, who remains the undisputed leader of the Republican Party, has so far avoided endorsing a 2028 candidate. However, in interviews with Fox News and NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump praised both Vance and Rubio as capable successors who could carry on the MAGA movement.
“Vance is a terrific, very smart guy,” Trump remarked. “Marco’s also outstanding. There are quite a few impressive people out there.”
While Trump hasn’t picked a favorite, his warm words have fueled speculation that JD Vance is his unofficial heir apparent.
Conservative Voters Speak Loud and Clear
The poll, conducted June 24–25 with 1,000 registered voters (including 416 likely GOP primary voters), has a Republican margin of error of ±4.8%. The numbers are yet another sign that the Republican base is rallying around strong leadership and America First values heading into 2028.