DeSantis surges as unlikely 2028 GOP contender after midterm losses

Ron DeSantis has emerged as an unlikely leading contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination following a surge in prediction markets after the Democrats' midterm victories, which saw the GOP lose control of Congress. Vice President JD Vance remains the front-runner with 34 percent odds, despite admitting the Iran war caused the losses, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds 17 percent. DeSantis, who called the results "a rebuke" to President Trump, climbed 9 percent to 13 percent. The Florida governor was previously mocked for his failed 2024 campaign, while outsiders Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. trail at 3 and 2 percent respectively. The party faces likely infighting as it seeks Trump's successor before January 2029.