Trump Allies Teaming Up For 2028?
As early speculation grows around the 2028 Republican presidential race, one GOP lawmaker says voters are unlikely to see a bruising primary fight between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Instead, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) believes the two high-profile Trump administration figures could eventually join forces.
Appearing Monday on CNN’s The Arena** with host Kasie Hunt, Lawler said a Vance-Rubio ticket is far more likely than a head-to-head Republican primary showdown.
Lawler said he believes a joint Vance–Rubio ticket is far more likely than any other outcome.
While Lawler stopped short of offering a formal endorsement, he acknowledged that Vance would enter any 2028 contest with a significant advantage. He described the vice president as a strong communicator with a clear connection to Republican voters.
“It’s going to be a competitive cycle,” Lawler added. “But debate within the party is healthy.”
Vance Builds Early Momentum
Vice President Vance has not announced whether he plans to run for president, but he has repeatedly left the door open. Support from conservative activists appears to be building.
Last week, Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, publicly backed Vance during the group’s AmericaFest in Phoenix.
Her remarks were met with strong applause, underscoring enthusiasm among grassroots conservatives.
Polling Shows Vance Leading GOP Field
National polling reflects that early strength. According to Race to the White House’s aggregated averages, Vance currently leads potential Republican contenders with more than 45 percent support.
Trailing behind him are Rubio, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump Jr., and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Political unity may also shape the race. Politico reported that Rubio would support Vance should the vice president formally enter the race. Vance has publicly referred to Rubio as his closest ally within the administration, including in comments to the New York Post.
Not All Republicans Are Aligned
Some Republicans remain cautious. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) recently suggested that disagreements over trade policy could influence his support in the next presidential cycle.
Lawler, often viewed as a moderate voice, said that while he doesn’t agree with Vance on every issue, the vice president remains one of the GOP’s most capable messengers.
He also commented on potential general-election matchups, suggesting that a debate between Vance and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would draw significant national attention.
Ocasio-Cortez recently pointed to polling showing a narrow edge over Vance in a hypothetical matchup—results that remain well within typical polling margins and reflect an election still years away.
For now, Republican voters appear focused on unity, leadership experience, and continuing the policy direction set under President Trump—factors that are already shaping early expectations for 2028.
