Vance Leads 2028 Race… But Trump’s Inner Circle Is Quietly Shifting
Vice President JD Vance remains the leading choice among Republicans for the 2028 presidential nomination, according to a new Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll, though recent data suggests shifting dynamics within the party.
The survey, which included 952 Republicans and 225 right-leaning independents nationwide, found that 36% of respondents selected Vance as their preferred candidate. He held a significant lead over Donald Trump Jr., who placed second with 19%, while 14% of respondents said they were undecided.
Despite maintaining a clear advantage, both Vance and Trump Jr. saw slight declines in support compared to a similar poll conducted in October.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shown signs of growing support. While Rubio received 9% overall — placing him third — he ranked as the second most popular choice among independent voters included in the survey.
The polling results come amid renewed attention on the roles of both Vance and Rubio within former President Donald Trump’s political orbit.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump recently asked donors at a gathering at Mar-a-Lago for their views on both men. Sources familiar with the event said Rubio received a notably stronger response from attendees.
Trump also appeared to draw distinctions between the two figures during a recent press conference in Florida, pointing to differences in their political and diplomatic styles. He described Vance as occasionally “a little bit tough,” while characterizing Rubio’s approach as more measured.
In a separate survey conducted by the Daily Mail and JL Partners in early March, Vance was identified as the most influential figure within Trump’s inner circle, receiving 19% support. Rubio followed with 12%, while Stephen Miller and Donald Trump Jr. tied for third.
The same poll indicated that Rubio’s approval rating declined slightly, from 40% in February to 36%, with 34% of respondents expressing disapproval.
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Both Vance and Rubio have publicly downplayed any suggestion of rivalry. In a February interview, Vance described Rubio as one of his “closest friends” within the administration. Rubio has also stated that he would support Vance in a potential 2028 presidential run.
While early polling continues to favor Vance, recent developments suggest that competition within the Republican field may continue to evolve in the months ahead.
