Rumors Already Swirling About 2028 Election
The 2028 presidential election may still be years away, but according to former Senator Rick Santorum, Washington is already in full speculation mode about who will carry the conservative torch after President Donald Trump.
“Politicians can’t help themselves,” Santorum told Newsmax’s Sunday Report. “They’re already jockeying for position — and the race to be the next Republican nominee is well underway.”
Top GOP Contenders Emerging
Santorum says Vice President JD Vance remains in strong standing for the nomination, even as he insists he’s focused on his current duties. But Santorum noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently surged ahead in visibility, taking on high-profile global challenges and racking up foreign policy wins.
“Rubio is managing world affairs and delivering results,” Santorum said. “That experience and leadership far outweigh the ceremonial role of a vice president. The VP title is nice, but you can’t build a long list of wins from an office across the street.”
Other MAGA-aligned figures Santorum says shouldn’t be counted out include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard — both of whom bring unique, non-traditional credentials that resonate with America First voters.
“There’s a crop of leaders who may not be ‘typical Republicans’ but fit perfectly into the MAGA movement,” Santorum explained.
Democrats Face a Weak Bench
On the Democrat side, Santorum says the likely nominees will come from the ranks of governors — but their records are, in his view, political disasters. He pointed to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, both of whom preside over states plagued by mass taxpayer flight, rising crime, and court defeats.
“There’s no Democrat today who can bridge the radical left and the vanishing middle of their party,” Santorum said. “They’re likely to end up with a Bernie-style socialist candidate — because that’s where their base is now.”
Harris’ Political Future in Doubt
As for former Vice President Kamala Harris, Santorum sees little hope for a political comeback. “The appetite just isn’t there,” he said. “Her campaign skills are weak, she underperformed in the primaries before becoming VP, and she doesn’t have the grassroots appeal to inspire voters. Without big donors, she has zero chance.”
