Vice President JD Vance has dropped a political bombshell, musing openly about a possible run for the White House in 2028.
The New York Post reported that with President Donald Trump barred from a third term due to legal limits, Vance has emerged as a frontrunner for the GOP nomination, acknowledging his thoughts on succeeding Trump while stressing his current duties and upcoming midterm priorities.
During a one-on-one interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Thursday, Vance, at just 41 years old, didn’t shy away from the big question.
He’s clearly pondered the idea of stepping into the Oval Office when Trump’s tenure ends. And why not? The man’s already climbed from Senate newcomer to vice president in record time.
“I would say that I’ve thought about what that moment might look like after the midterm elections, sure,” Vance told Hannity. Well, that’s a polite way to say he’s got his eye on the prize, while cleverly dodging any premature campaign launch. It’s a smart move—don’t rock the boat before the midterms next year.
But Vance quickly pivoted, emphasizing his focus on the present. “But I also, whenever I think about that, I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job right now and my job is to do it,” he added to Hannity. Admirable restraint, though one wonders if those presidential dreams ever truly leave his mind.
As the second Trump administration approaches the end of its first year, Vance is widely viewed as the leading contender to carry the GOP banner in 2028.
A fresh poll from Overton Insights this week backs that up, showing him with 34% support among Republican primary voters in a hypothetical nationwide contest. That’s a solid lead over others like Donald Trump Jr. at 22% or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 12%.
President Trump, now 79, can’t run again, but he’s already playing kingmaker. Last month, during a trip to the Far East, he floated the idea of Vance teaming up with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as an “unstoppable” Republican ticket. High praise from the boss, though it’s unclear if Rubio, polling at just 7%, would be content as second fiddle.
Vance’s lead in the Overton Insights poll dwarfs other potential candidates, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 8%, former Ambassador Nikki Haley at 5%, and Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy also at 5%. It’s early days, of course, but those numbers suggest the party base sees Vance as the heir apparent. Can he hold that momentum?
Vance isn’t getting ahead of himself, though, promising to sit down with Trump only after the midterms to discuss his future. That’s a pragmatic approach, especially when the progressive agenda could derail much of the current administration’s hard work if Democrats gain ground.
Interestingly, Vance doesn’t see Rubio as a competitor, despite the speculation. He’s quick to call Rubio a colleague and even a mentor from his early Senate days, starting in 2023. That’s a refreshing take in a town where ambition often breeds backstabbing.
Speaking of Rubio, Vance highlighted their personal connection, noting shared values like strong faith and close family ties. He pointed out Rubio’s relatively young family by Washington standards, with kids in law school and college. It’s a humanizing touch, reminding voters these are men with lives beyond the political arena.
Their camaraderie seems genuine, with Vance noting how well their wives get along. That kind of personal rapport matters in politics, where trust can be scarce. Perhaps Trump’s vision of an “unstoppable” duo isn’t just wishful thinking.
For now, Vance insists his priority is the job at hand, not daydreams of 2028. That’s the kind of discipline conservatives appreciate, especially when the stakes are high with midterms looming. If Democrats regain power, many fear they’ll undo the progress made under Trump’s leadership.
Still, Vance’s potential candidacy is a topic that won’t fade quietly. With strong polling, Trump’s implicit backing, and a relatable partnership with Rubio, he’s positioned as a serious contender for the GOP’s future. The question is whether he can balance current responsibilities with the inevitable speculation.