Republican Party attendees at the midterm convention in Dallas have engaged in early discussions regarding potential candidates for the 2028 presidential nomination, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance frequently emerging as prominent figures. The conversations, detailed in interviews published Thursday by the Daily Mail, occurred ahead of Vice President Vance’s scheduled address to the convention. These informal polls and attendee sentiments offer an initial glimpse into the Republican base's preferences as the party looks towards future leadership.
"I don’t know what the future holds, but I have no plans at this time. I’m not a candidate for anything right now." Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
While the 2028 election cycle is still several years away, the convention provided a platform for grassroots Republicans to voice their opinions on the party's direction post-President Trump. A Financial Times/Focaldata poll, referenced in the Daily Mail report, indicated that Vance holds a significant lead among Republicans, securing 43% support compared to Rubio's 21%. Despite these poll numbers, several attendees expressed a strong affinity for Rubio, often citing his experience and demeanor.
Missy Walker, a Republican attendee, articulated a common sentiment, noting, "You know, they’re both great, I might lean a little bit more toward Rubio. Gosh, he’s so good." Walker specifically praised Rubio’s composure, highlighting his ability to remain unfazed under pressure, while also crediting Vance with similar qualities. Michael Caffey of Rockwall, Texas, echoed this preference for Rubio, particularly impressed by a recent United Nations speech delivered by the Secretary of State. "I like both a lot but I think Rubio would be a great choice. Vance would be great too, but I really like Rubio," Caffey stated. Fred Farrin of Missouri also selected Rubio when asked about his choice for the nomination.
Some attendees envisioned a joint ticket, with Lisa Stone favoring Rubio for president and Vance as his running mate. Jeannie Elliott expressed a similar hope for collaboration, stating, "Whichever one, the other is hopefully going to be vice president." This suggests a desire among some Republicans for a unified front featuring both prominent figures.
Despite the enthusiasm from some attendees, Secretary Rubio has consistently distanced himself from any immediate presidential ambitions. He was overseas performing his duties as Secretary of State while Republicans gathered in Dallas. In an interview with Colombian broadcaster RCN, Rubio addressed the speculation directly: “I don’t know what the future holds, but I have no plans at this time. I’m not a candidate for anything right now.” He further emphasized that his full attention is devoted to his current responsibilities. NBC News reported that Rubio had privately conveyed a similar message, stating he had no plans to run but was "keeping his options open for the future." Rubio has also stated he would not challenge Vance for the nomination.
President Donald Trump, whose presence drew large crowds to the American Airlines Center, has reportedly offered his own private thoughts on a successor. A July report, citing MS Now, indicated that President Trump had privately expressed a preference for Vice President Vance, according to individuals familiar with his discussions. President Trump addressed the convention on Wednesday, where he briefly commended Vance for identifying billions of dollars in fraud, a point that resonated with the conservative base.
The absence of Secretary Rubio from the convention was defended by Vernon Jones, a former Georgia state legislator. Jones emphasized the critical nature of Rubio’s role, stating, “I don’t want him here. He’s the Secretary of State. He’s handling American business around the globe.” Jones also praised Vice President Vance’s focus on the upcoming midterm elections, adding, "JD Vance is running to make sure that we win the midterm elections. I like that."
The convention featured other notable Republican speakers, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Florida Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Byron Donalds. The discussions surrounding Rubio and Vance, however, underscored the ongoing evolution of the Republican Party's leadership landscape as it looks beyond the current administration. These early preferences reflect a dynamic within the party that values both established experience in foreign policy and emerging voices aligned with the populist movement.
