Vice President JD Vance begins 2026 with a commanding lead toward the Republican presidential nomination for 2028, bolstered by endorsements from conservative figures such as Erika Kirk and tacit support from President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Early polls show Vance ahead of potential rivals including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sens. Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, and Rand Paul, though these figures are staking out issues such as artificial intelligence, federal oversight, and the Jeffrey Epstein files to differentiate themselves. “Vance is the clear leader,” a veteran Trump strategist told NBC News, describing the “anti-Vance lane” as largely opportunistic and unlikely to coalesce unless Vance creates an opening.
Vance has largely sidestepped speculation, saying he does not want “the focus on the future to come at the expense of this job,” while working to raise funds and support for GOP candidates in the 2026 midterms.
Rivals like Cruz have drawn attention with advocacy on Israel and antisemitism, while Hawley and Paul have opposed certain Trump policies, prompting public criticism from the president. Analysts note that these early moves could shape the dynamics of the 2028 primary but are unlikely to derail Vance’s early momentum.
“The success of the Trump-Vance administration on issues foreign and domestic will be the foundation that eventual Republican nominee JD Vance builds and improves on as the 48th President of the United States,” a veteran Republican operative said.