Vice President JD Vance widened the gap in the Republican field at CPAC, taking 53 percent in the conference’s 2028 straw poll. Marco Rubio followed with 35 percent, while no other name broke past 2 percent.
“About 53% of the more than 1,600 attendees who voted in the poll chose Vance.”
The result follows last year’s showing, when Vance led with a larger share among attendees. Rubio moved from 3 percent last year to 35 percent now, marking the largest shift among any potential contender in the field. The margin between first and second also reflects a clear separation from the rest of the field, where support drops off sharply after the top two names.
“After barely registering in the informal survey last year, 35% of attendees at this year’s event said they wanted him to be the party’s next nominee.”
Rubio has taken on a visible role in foreign policy and international negotiations during Trump’s second term. His involvement in overseas actions, including conflicts tied to Iran and Venezuela, has kept him at the center of major administration decisions and in front of the party’s base. Vance continues to draw support tied to his message and background, which remains popular with activists who have backed him across consecutive CPAC gatherings.
The poll reflects the views of conference attendees and does not represent the full Republican electorate
“Its annual straw poll is not necessarily a reliable predictor of the eventual nominee.”
Even with that limitation, the distribution of support is clear. No other contender reached more than 2 percent, including sitting governors, senators, and Cabinet officials who have been mentioned as possible candidates. That leaves the field’s early shape concentrated around two names with measurable backing among this group of voters.
President Donald Trump cannot run again, but the race is already forming around figures tied directly to his administration. His endorsement is expected to carry decisive weight, and whichever direction he chooses would likely settle the contest well before voting begins
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY