Who Could Succeed Trump? Profiles of Top 2028 Republican Contenders

Five Republican figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are emerging as potential successors to President Donald Trump for the 2028 presidential election. This follows the party's defeat in the November 3 midterm elections. Vance, a leading MAGA representative, supports restrictive immigration policies and tariffs, while Rubio, a former 2016 primary rival, has stated he has no current plans to run and would back Vance. Other potential candidates include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The midterm loss, driven by voter concerns over cost of living and the war with Iran, has raised questions about the party's future direction. Polls before the elections showed Vance leading with 38.6% support, though no major figures have officially announced candidacies. Trump cannot run again due to the 22nd Amendment, with the next election set for November 7, 2028.