Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 if Vice President J.D. Vance decides to run, signaling early support for his potential candidacy.
The remarks were made Tuesday in an interview with Vanity Fair. “If J.D. Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said.
Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely viewed as leading Republican contenders following President Donald J. Trump’s second term. Trump has previously suggested that the two could form a powerful ticket, stating, “We have J.D., obviously—the Vice President is great. Marco’s great. I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they formed a group, it would be unstoppable.”
Trump has also publicly mused about running for a third term, though this is likely prohibited by the 22nd Amendment. He has ruled out circumventing the restriction by seeking the vice presidency and then having the lead candidate step aside as “too cute,” adding, “It wouldn’t be right.”
Vance has not formally announced his plans for 2028 but has indicated he will discuss the possibility with Trump after the 2026 midterm elections.
On the Democratic side, several prominent figures are also being discussed as potential candidates. Democratic insiders say former Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing for a possible run. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has acknowledged she is considering a future presidential bid. California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also viewed as contenders.
