JD Vance Emerges as Frontrunner for 2028 GOP Presidential Nomination

Despite Donald Trump withholding an endorsement, Vance gains momentum with MAGA backing and a decisive CPAC straw poll victory.

JD Vance, Vice President and former 'never Trump' critic, is widely viewed as the likely 2028 GOP nominee by MAGA leaders and allies.
He won the February 2025 CPAC straw poll with 61% support, far outpacing other potential contenders like Steve Bannon.
Donald Trump has not officially endorsed Vance, citing it as 'too early' to decide on a successor for the 2028 presidential race.
Vance has solidified his position within the MAGA movement through combative public actions and unwavering loyalty to Trump's 'America First' agenda.
Some Republicans and Democrats remain skeptical of Vance's viability as a national candidate, while potential rivals, including Ron DeSantis, monitor his ascent.