Marco Rubio is closing in on JD Vance in the race for Republican voters’ attention ahead of 2028. A new poll shows the two Trump administration figures separated by just a single percentage point among likely GOP primary voters.
With President Donald Trump unable to seek another term, speculation about who could inherit his political movement is already heating up.
Marco Rubio and JD Vance tied in new 2028 nominee poll
A new Emerson College poll found that Republican voters are nearly split between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio when asked who they would support as the party’s 2028 presidential nominee.
According to the survey, 36 percent of likely Republican primary voters backed Vance, while 35 percent chose Rubio. The narrow gap is notable because the race looked very different just a few months ago.
The Emerson poll found that Vance’s support dropped 16 points between February and May. During that same period, Rubio gained 15 points, making him one of the fastest-rising figures in early Republican polling.
While neither candidate has announced a presidential campaign, both have long been viewed as potential successors to Trump.
Vance entered the administration as one of the GOP’s most recognizable younger voices. At 41, he’s frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Trump’s political coalition thanks to his appeal among working-class conservatives and moderate Republicans.
Rubio, meanwhile, appears to be benefiting from a growing public profile within the administration.
In addition to serving as secretary of state, the longtime Florida politician has taken on several high-visibility roles in recent months. He has appeared at White House briefings, represented the administration on major diplomatic issues, and developed a reputation among supporters as a steady and experienced figure.
The latest poll mirrors findings from other recent surveys. A McLaughlin & Associates survey found Rubio gaining support even as Vance remained slightly ahead overall.
Trump has also fueled speculation by publicly discussing both men. The president has reportedly polled audiences about their preferred successor and even joked that Vance and Rubio could someday form a political “dream team.”
For now, the contest remains hypothetical.
Originally reported by Vanshika Vasundhare Singh on Mandatory
