As the political landscape for the 2028 presidential race begins to take shape, whispers from the Republican donor class suggest a quietly growing movement to “draft Rubio” in a bid to secure the nomination. The effort comes as Vice President JD Vance’s political star seems to be dimming, particularly in light of his absence from key moments during President Trump’s military action in Iran.
According to ABC News, a group of influential Republican donors is working behind the scenes to boost Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s chances for a 2028 bid. These efforts, which are not driven by Rubio himself but by supporters, come after the midterm elections, where Rubio’s profile in the administration has risen significantly. His involvement in the ongoing crisis in Iran and his role in the successful operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro have put him in the spotlight as a potential 2028 contender.
However, Vice President JD Vance’s absence from major operations, including the military strikes on Iran and the capture of Maduro, has raised questions about his commitment to the administration’s policies. Vance, a Marine Corps veteran with a history of opposing military intervention in the Middle East, has been notably distant from these events. While his spokesperson justified his absence during the initial Iran strikes as necessary for “operational secrecy,” some critics within the GOP see this as a missed opportunity for Vance to solidify his stance as a leader.
Vance, who is widely considered Trump’s right-hand man, had previously expressed his reluctance to engage in another Middle East conflict. This hesitation contrasted sharply with Trump’s aggressive foreign policy, particularly the military action against Iran. While Vance’s role as vice president remains solid, his perceived lack of enthusiasm for Trump’s military decisions has created a gap that Rubio’s supporters are eager to exploit.
In contrast, Rubio has positioned himself as a steadfast ally of the president. If the Iran war ends successfully, his position within the administration could help bolster his profile ahead of 2028. However, Rubio has been reluctant to challenge Vance directly. In interviews, he has expressed admiration for Vance, stating that if Vance runs for president, he would support him. Despite this, Rubio’s donor base sees him as a more stable option, especially after his prominent role in securing a deal with Venezuela.
Trump, for his part, has not yet publicly chosen between Vance and Rubio. While tradition suggests that Trump would lean toward supporting Vance, insiders say that the president has asked his allies and advisers the question, “Marco or JD?” According to Axios, Trump has been hesitant to commit to a candidate, leaving the door open for a showdown between the two men.
Rubio’s Past and Vance’s Path Forward
Rubio’s history in Republican politics is well-known. Having run against Trump in the 2016 primary, Rubio faced off with the president in a bitter contest that included Trump’s infamous mockery of Rubio’s appearance and the memorable “Little Marco” jibe. Despite these tensions, Rubio and Trump have since reconciled, with Trump calling Rubio “the greatest Secretary of State in history.”
However, the road to 2028 could prove challenging for Rubio. According to recent polling from the Daily Mail and JL Partners, Vance is the overwhelming favorite for the GOP nomination, with 53% of Republican voters supporting him compared to just 14% for Rubio. While Rubio remains a prominent figure in the party, the support for Vance within the GOP ranks is undeniable.
In response to these figures, some of Rubio’s donors have pushed back, insisting that Vance’s popularity will not necessarily translate to a successful presidential campaign. These donors argue that Rubio’s experience and stable leadership make him a stronger candidate for 2028, particularly if Vance’s approach to foreign policy continues to raise concerns within the party.
The 2028 Showdown
As 2028 approaches, the Republican Party faces a critical decision: whether to stick with Vance, a loyal ally of Trump, or to back Rubio, who represents a more traditional approach to politics. While Vance remains a favorite among GOP voters, Rubio’s supporters see an opportunity to shift the party’s direction, especially as the political landscape continues to evolve.
For now, the battle for the Republican nomination remains unclear. Rubio has stated that he would support Vance if he runs, but his growing base of support suggests he may be willing to enter the race himself. As the primary season nears, the question remains: who will Trump back, and who will the GOP ultimately choose to carry the party’s banner into 2028?
