With President Trump declining to name Vice President JD Vance as his automatic successor, speculation is growing over who might lead the GOP in 2028. Trump will likely make an endorsement after the 2026 midterms.
Potential contenders include Vance, who remains a key figure in the MAGA movement, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his experience and appeal to Latino voters. Other names in the mix are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Each has strong conservative credentials but varying levels of Trump-world loyalty.
As the race takes shape, Trump’s influence will likely play a major role in determining the GOP’s future.
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