With President-elect Donald Trump term-limited and unable to run again in 2028, Vice President-elect JD Vance is widely regarded as the heir apparent to lead both the America First movement and the Republican Party’s influential MAGA base.
Donald Trump Jr., a powerful ally of Vance and the president-elect’s eldest son, reinforced this sentiment on the campaign trail:
“We are getting four more years of Trump and then eight years of JD Vance!” he said during a rally in Ohio weeks before the November election.
Vance, who joined the Senate in Ohio just two years ago, has quickly emerged as the most likely frontrunner in the 2028 GOP primary race.
“The vice president will be in the catbird seat. No question about it,” said Dave Carney, a longtime Republican consultant, adding, “He is the guy to beat.”
David Kochel, another veteran GOP strategist, echoed that sentiment, citing the scale of Trump’s recent victory and its implication of passing the torch to Vance:
“There will be no shortage of people looking at it. But most are seeing the strength of the Trump victory and the movement,” Kochel explained.
Even with Trump’s support and a firm grip on the GOP base, many experts anticipate a competitive field.
“No one will completely defer to JD Vance. There will be a contest—there always is,” Kochel stated.
While some challengers may attempt to position themselves against the current administration, Carney emphasized Vance’s solid messaging and accessibility:
“He is the guy to beat, regardless of whether it’s a good four years or a rough four years.”
A Deep Bench of GOP Contenders
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley emphasized the GOP’s robust roster of future leaders:
“We are in a great position to continue the momentum of this agenda and this movement,” he said.
Below are some Republicans likely to have national aspirations in 2028 or beyond:
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
After a landslide 2022 reelection, Gov. DeSantis faced setbacks from a failed 2024 presidential bid and clashes with Trump. However, the term-limited 46-year-old still wields strong fundraising abilities and nationwide support. He secured a prime speaking spot at the 2024 GOP convention and remains a potential future candidate.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp
Kemp, who has two years left as Georgia governor, successfully fended off Trump’s opposition in the past, earning strong favorability ratings. The 61-year-old may use his national profile to boost Republican candidates in 2026 as he builds momentum for a larger role.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Youngkin rose to prominence with his 2021 gubernatorial win in Virginia. With only one year left in his term, the 58-year-old business-focused governor may look to a cabinet role under Trump or set his sights on 2028.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas
A key player in the 2016 Republican primary, Sen. Cruz (53) has remained influential after securing a third Senate term by a large margin. His long-standing conservative base ensures he stays in the mix for future presidential aspirations.
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas
Cotton, 47, is a combat veteran turned rising GOP star. He contemplated a 2024 bid but prioritized family, leaving open the possibility of future campaigns. Cotton currently seeks a leadership position in the incoming Senate Republican majority.
Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri
Hawley, 44, is another strong proponent of Trump’s America First agenda. His profile as a bold conservative suggests he will continue to pursue leadership opportunities, potentially eyeing a presidential run.
Former Ambassador Nikki Haley
Haley, 52, was the last candidate standing against Trump in the 2024 primaries. Despite endorsing Trump in the general election, her primary clashes may complicate future bids within the Trump-dominated GOP.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Sanders, 42, is a high-profile MAGA figure who garnered national attention after her GOP response to the 2023 State of the Union. Her first-term performance as governor leaves many anticipating further political moves.
Vivek Ramaswamy
The 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur gained prominence with his anti-woke platform in the 2024 primaries. After supporting Trump in the general election, Ramaswamy now co-chairs the new presidential advisory commission tasked with reducing federal spending.
Other potential candidates include Sen. Marco Rubio (secretary of state nominee in Trump’s second term), Sen. Tim Scott, Sen. Rick Scott, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Trump allies like Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Byron Donalds.
Notably, Donald Trump Jr., another high-profile MAGA figure, is unlikely to challenge Vance due to their strong alliance.
As the race for 2028 looms on the horizon, the GOP bench appears well-stocked, promising another dynamic primary season.
