Republican leaders are increasingly uniting behind JD Vance as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, while former President Donald Trump remains non-committal about a third term. Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, the organization is mobilizing resources to support Vance’s candidacy, aiming to establish a robust campaign infrastructure in Iowa.
Turning Point USA plans to deploy representatives across Iowa’s 99 counties in the coming months. Insiders suggest this effort might streamline the Republican primary process, bypassing a potentially divisive race. Earlier this month, Marco Rubio, a previous contender for Trump’s endorsement, indicated his support for Vance, stating, “If Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Polling Numbers and Party Dynamics
A straw poll conducted at a recent Turning Point USA conference revealed strong backing for Vance, with 84% of attendees indicating they would support him in the primaries. However, broader polling data presents a more complex picture. A CNN poll from early December indicates that Vance currently holds 22% of Republican support for 2028, while other potential candidates, including Rubio and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are in single digits. Notably, 64% of respondents expressed having “no one specific in mind,” suggesting an open field for emerging candidates.
Despite achieving a remarkable 91% approval rating among Republicans for his performance as vice president, Vance faces challenges in appealing to a broader audience. A recent Gallup poll shows that only 39% of Americans across party lines view him positively, indicating potential hurdles if he secures the nomination.
Vance’s Call for Unity and Controversies
During the Turning Point USA conference, Vance emphasized the need for party unity amidst rising tensions regarding racism and antisemitism within Republican circles. He stated, “President Trump did not build the greatest coalition in politics by running his supporters through endless, self-defeating purity tests.” His comments aimed to promote inclusivity but drew criticism from segments of the right for seemingly tolerating bigotry.
Vance has also faced personal attacks, particularly from far-right figures like Nick Fuentes, who has made derogatory remarks about Vance’s family background. In response, Vance asserted, “Let me be clear — anyone who attacks my wife… can eat s—,” highlighting his commitment to defending his family against such rhetoric.
Trump’s interest in Vance as a potential successor is evident, as he has referred to him as “very capable” and suggested he could be the “most likely” choice for the party. Despite this, Trump has not formally endorsed Vance. In August, he remarked, “He’s the vice president… certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favored at this point.”
While Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term due to the 22nd Amendment, discussions about his future persist. Some aides, including Susie Wiles, have publicly stated that Trump understands he cannot run again. However, figures like Steve Bannon continue to explore possibilities for Trump’s return, even criticizing Vance’s leadership qualities.
In a recent meeting, legal scholar Alan Dershowitz presented Trump with ideas for a potential third term, although he left the conversation believing that Trump would ultimately decline to pursue another candidacy. “That is my conclusion based on what he has said in public,” Dershowitz noted.
As the political landscape evolves, Vance’s campaign strategy, coupled with Trump’s influence and the varied reactions from the Republican base, will play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming election cycle. With primary season on the horizon, both established and emerging leaders within the party will likely continue to assess their options in the wake of shifting dynamics.