Marco Rubio and JD Vance face speculation over 2028 GOP nomination

Speculation regarding the 2028 Republican presidential nomination has centered on potential dynamics between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Commentator Ben Shapiro suggested that Rubio may be unlikely to challenge Vance due to political risks, noting that Rubio is a “very risk-averse politician.” Shapiro argued that a loss in a primary against Vance could end Rubio’s political career, while even a victory might lead to a difficult general election.

Conversely, columnist Joe Concha suggested that if Vance chooses not to run in 2028, Rubio could potentially secure the nomination with little opposition. While polling results vary—with some showing Vance leading and others showing Rubio with higher favorability in specific straw polls—both men currently serve in senior roles within the Trump administration and have not officially announced any plans for the 2028 cycle.