Rubio Backs Vance as 2028 GOP Front-Runner, Politico Reports

By Mark Swanson | Friday, 07 November 2025 10:55 AM EST

A report indicates that Secretary of State and former Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio has privately recognized Vice President JD Vance as the leading contender for the GOP’s 2028 presidential nomination. The source revealed that Rubio would step aside and endorse Vance if he decides to run, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the vice president’s bid.

Rubio publicly reiterated this stance in July, calling Vance “a great nominee.” The report also suggested that the White House anticipates a 2028 ticket featuring Vance as the presidential candidate and Rubio as vice president. Vance himself acknowledged joking about a potential partnership with Rubio but noted the timing feels premature given the current political landscape.

A recent poll highlighted that 35% of Trump voters in 2024 expressed support for Vance as the 2028 presidential nominee, compared to just 2% who favored Rubio. Rubio’s 2016 campaign positioned him as a “next generation of conservative leadership” alternative but faltered after a decisive loss in Florida to Trump.

Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor with nearly three decades of experience covering politics, authored this report.