DeSantis surges as Republicans jockey for 2028 presidential nomination

The Republican Party is facing internal turmoil after losing dozens of congressional seats in Tuesday's midterm elections, with Democrats now controlling both the House and Senate. The defeat has sparked blame toward President Donald Trump over his unpopular Iran war and handling of the cost of living crisis. Vice President JD Vance remains the front-runner for the 2028 nomination with 34 percent odds, though he has publicly distanced himself from the Iran conflict, admitting "the reason we lost is the war." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has surged 9 percent in Polymarket predictions to 13 percent, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds 17 percent. DeSantis, untainted by administration failures, called the results "a rebuke" to the president. Other potential candidates include Tucker Carlson at 3 percent and Donald Trump Jr at 2 percent, as the party braces for infighting ahead of Trump's departure in January 2029.