Vice President JD Vance at CPAC 2025 conference
Marco Rubio meets with Prime Minister in Oval Office
Vice President JD Vance listens to President Trump speak
President Trump leads Cabinet Meeting discussing trade
Secretary Rubio meets Jordanian Foreign Minister
JD Vance sworn in at Presidential Inauguration
Vice President Vance speaks after Inauguration ceremony
Secretary Rubio participating in Cabinet Meeting

Vice President JD Vance at CPAC 2025 conference

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential race, while stressing the importance of focusing on his current responsibilities. Polls have shown Vance holding a narrow lead over prominent potential rivals, including Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Rubio’s endorsement marks a strategic alignment within the GOP, potentially consolidating early support around Vance.

Marco Rubio meets with Prime Minister in Oval Office

When asked about the race, Rubio said, “Well, I think JD Vance would be a great nominee. If he decides he wants to do that. I think he’s doing a great job as Vice President. He’s a close friend and I hope he intends to do it."

Vice President JD Vance listens to President Trump speak

Polling data from Emerson College indicates Vance holds a single-digit lead over his competitors for the 2028 election. Vance has received 44 percent support compared to Buttigieg’s 43 percent, while Newsom and Ocasio-Cortez have closely followed in the same narrow margin.

President Trump leads Cabinet Meeting discussing trade

Rubio praised Vance as a “great nominee.” Citing his personal limits on political activity, Rubio emphasized his plan to stick to his current role, noting he’ll serve “as long as the president allows me to.”

Secretary Rubio meets Jordanian Foreign Minister

Rubio said, “I think J.D. Vance would be a great nominee if he decides he wants to do that.” He added, “I want to do this job as long as the president allows me to.”

JD Vance sworn in at Presidential Inauguration

Rubio added, “It’s kind of early, you know, but being in the role that I’m in here at the Secretary of State, I really don’t play in politics,” Rubio explained. “There’s actually rules against me being involved in domestic politics.”

Vice President Vance speaks after Inauguration ceremony

Rubio hopes to look back and know he has made a meaningful difference in the country. He stated, “I believe that if I am able to be here, through the duration of this presidency, and we get things done at the pace that we’ve been doing the last six months, I’ll be able to look back at my time in public service and say I made a difference, I had an impact, and I served my country in a very positive way.”