President Trump’s recent suggestion that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio might form a future presidential ticket is intensifying discussions about Republican leadership after Trump’s time in office ends. The president floated the idea publicly this week, sparking immediate interest across the GOP and raising questions about the political futures of both men.
Vance and Rubio have long collaborated, from overlapping Senate tenures to now serving in two of the most powerful roles in the Trump administration. Yet the idea of pairing them on a 2028 ticket has also prompted speculation about whether their relationship will remain cooperative as both men position themselves for potential presidential ambitions.
Still, among many Republicans, the possibility is energizing.
“Romulus and Remus here, the sons of MAGA, uniting and heading into 2028 on firm footing for the future,” Republican strategist Matt Bartlett said, suggesting the duo represents the generational continuation of Trump’s political movement.
Early Enthusiasm Surrounds Vance
During a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi this week, students greeted Vance with chants of “48,” signaling hopes that he could succeed Trump.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Vance responded, acknowledging the excitement but cautioning against premature conclusions.
Polling released this week from the University of New Hampshire shows Vance with significant early strength: 51 percent of likely GOP primary voters in the state said they would support him if the 2028 primary were held today. Rubio polled at 5 percent, behind Nikki Haley and Tulsi Gabbard.
“That’s just shocking right now for a presidential primary,” Bartlett said, adding, “There’s no one more beloved other than the president right now than JD Vance. Second would be Marco Rubio, someone who was a traditional Republican and transformed into an articulate MAGA speaker.”
Vance Dismisses Tension Rumors
Speaking Wednesday, Vance rejected claims that talk of 2028 is straining his relationship with Rubio.
“Marco is my best friend in the administration,” Vance said. “Any discussion about 2028 is premature.”
Those close to the pair say their partnership has deepened since entering the administration.
“They got along in the Senate, but they’ve gotten a lot closer in the Cabinet,” a source familiar with their working relationship said. “Vance really values Rubio’s discipline and loyalty to the team.”
Together, the two have co-authored labor reform legislation and jointly urged the Biden administration to block Nippon Steel’s attempt to acquire U.S. Steel. They have also played leading roles in maintaining the Israel–Hamas ceasefire and guiding diplomatic efforts to wind down Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A ‘Unity Ticket’ — Easier in Theory Than Practice
Some Republicans view a Vance–Rubio ticket as a near-perfect ideological combination, merging populist energy with foreign policy experience.
“They balance the full spectrum of the GOP, and they’re both young. They’re the next generation,” GOP strategist Ford O’Connell said.
Others caution that such a partnership could be difficult.
“It’s very hard to arrange a marriage in politics,” said Alex Conant, a former Rubio aide. “Nobody runs to be vice president.”
There is also the matter of President Trump’s long-term intentions. Though he has acknowledged the constitutional limit of two terms, he has mused publicly about staying in office beyond 2028. Some allies, including Steve Bannon, have floated theoretical legal workarounds—though no credible constitutional basis has been identified.
“If Trump isn’t planning a third term, he intends to firmly control the nominating process,” Conant said. “This is signaling that the decision is his to make.”
For now, GOP strategists warn against treating any 2028 predictions as settled.
“We’re an eternity from 2028,” Conant said. “Speculating on running mates or nominees at this stage is more distraction than insight.”
.jpg)
