JD Vance vs. Marco Rubio: The Race to Succeed Trump in 2028
The competition to succeed Donald Trump in 2028 is moving from the corridors of power to the most public stage in Washington: the White House press briefing room. While typically conducted in secret, the positioning between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become a visible duel in the eyes of observers.
Recent events saw both men stepping in for Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during her maternity leave. Vice President Vance, 41, spent 54 minutes answering journalists’ questions, surpassing the 49-minute appearance made by Secretary of State Rubio, 54, two weeks earlier.
A Public Trial of Styles
The contrast in approach between the two figures is stark. Vance, a Yale graduate and Navy veteran, is recognized for a more confrontational style. In contrast, Rubio is often described as a more classic orator, despite having lost to Trump in the 2016 primary.
CNN commentator Stephen Collinson has likened the dynamic to a version of Trump’s former television program, “The Apprentice.” Collinson suggests that both men have presented themselves as “serious people,” signaling a potential shift toward a less personal and brutal political era.
The Strategic Importance of Faith
Beyond the press podium, a critical battle is unfolding for the support of evangelical voters. With white evangelical Protestants providing 82 percent support for Trump in 2024, Ralph Reed of the Faith and Freedom Coalition notes that no path to the nomination exists without this demographic.
Rubio, though Catholic, maintains a presence in a Miami Baptist church, which has garnered him support among evangelical leaders. Vance, who converted from atheism to traditionalist Catholicism, is viewed as a more complex figure for these voters, though he is expected to release a book on his faith titled “Communion” next month.
Economic Pressures and Polling
Both men have had to defend the administration’s handling of the Iran war, a conflict that coincides with a period where Trump’s approval ratings are near their lowest point since returning to the White House.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll reflects a tight race in public perception, with 34 percent of Americans viewing Vance positively and 33 percent viewing Rubio positively. This represents a decline for Vance, who held a 42 percent positive rating in January 2025.
Potential Future Scenarios
The trajectory of this succession race may depend on the outcome of the next two years. Rubio previously stated to Vanity Fair that he would support Vance if the Vice President runs in 2028.
Rubio’s own presidential ambitions could potentially depend on a Republican loss in the next cycle, which may open a path for a campaign in 2032. Meanwhile, Trump continues to encourage the speculation, recently referring to the two as a “dream team” during a Rose Garden dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary candidates viewed as successors to Donald Trump for 2028?
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are seen as the leading figures to take over the MAGA movement.
How are the candidates attempting to win over evangelical voters?
Marco Rubio leverages his regular attendance at a Baptist church in Miami, while JD Vance is focusing on his faith through the upcoming publication of his book, “Communion.”
What is the current polling status for Vance and Rubio?
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, Vance has a 34 percent positive view and Rubio has a 33 percent positive view, though Vance’s numbers have dropped from 42 percent in January 2025.
Do you believe a more confrontational or a more classic oratorical style is better suited for the future of the MAGA movement?