Republicans gathered at their midterm convention in Dallas are contemplating the future leadership of the party, with a notable lack of consensus on who should succeed Donald Trump in 2028. While Vice President JD Vance emerged as a prominent figure, drawing chants and praise, attendees interviewed expressed a range of preferences, including Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
During his address, Vance, who has been widely speculated as a 2028 contender, was met with enthusiastic shouts of "JD 48!" from the crowd. He acknowledged the sentiment but redirected focus to the upcoming November elections. "We gotta take care of business this November and then we’ll worry about what comes next," Vance stated.
Following Vance's speech, Donald Trump described him as a "very talented guy" who "did a very good job." However, the hallways of the American Airlines Center revealed a more divided sentiment among the nearly two dozen attendees surveyed. While Vance was frequently mentioned, other names like Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis also featured prominently on attendees' wish lists.
"If I had to name somebody at this moment, if I was forced, I would say it’s the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis," said Rochelle Brooks, an IT manager from Dallas. "What he’s done in Florida is a roadmap for what we need to do in America."
Others voiced strong support for Marco Rubio. "He’s so knowledgeable. He totally understands international threats, the threats of communism," said Peggy Stanton, a retiree from Houston. "Every single issue I hear him speak on, he gets it. He has charisma. I just feel like he would be a great president."
For some, the ultimate decision may hinge on Donald Trump's endorsement. Norma Alruosan, a payroll tax analyst from Coppell, Texas, found herself torn between Vance and Rubio. "I love Vance and I can relate to him," she said, but also expressed admiration for Rubio's "Latino tongue," a reference to his direct speaking style. Her choice, she indicated, would likely depend on Trump's preference.
Stephanie Donofry, from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, also expressed indecision between Vance and Rubio, calling both "proven" and "capable."
Attendees reported that Vance privately addressed delegates from key battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where he was met with chants of "48, 48, 48" and "JD, JD, JD." Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming noted Vance's strategic engagement in states like Wisconsin, where Trump's margin of victory was narrow in the previous election.
Some attendees suggested potential ticket pairings or expressed support for candidates based on specific qualities. Bill Schneider of Frisco, Texas, favored a Vance-Rubio ticket with Vance at the top, citing Vance's current office and his perceived continuation of Trump's policies. His wife, Tani Schneider, who immigrated from Brazil, supported Ted Cruz, emphasizing his Cuban American heritage and insights into the impact of left-wing governments.
Less conventional choices also surfaced. Kimberly Moyers, national vet force director for Veterans for America First, indicated Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie as her preferred leader. Dina and Kevin Myers, self-described "political junkies" from Grand Prairie, expressed a desire for a "fresh" and "young" leader, mentioning Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill, though he would not meet the constitutional age requirement for president in 2028.
Anthony Johnston, an accountant from Delaware, believes Vance is Trump's "natural successor," noting his selection as Vice President. His father, Bruce Johnston, acknowledged the party's "deep bench" of candidates, including Vance, Rubio, and DeSantis, expressing optimism about the eventual nominee.