JD Vance Aides Prepare for 2028 Primary as Republican Rivals Circle
As Vice President JD Vance eyes a potential 2028 presidential run, allies privately anticipate a challenging primary battle, with figures like Ted Cruz and John Kennedy signaling their own ambitions.
Vice President JD Vance's team is privately preparing for a potentially contentious 2028 Republican presidential primary, as other Republican senators begin to position themselves for a run to succeed Donald Trump. Vance's advisers anticipate he will face challengers and are working to shore up support within a GOP faction that has reportedly grown cooler on his prospects.
Vance recently attended the Republican Jewish Coalition summit in Las Vegas, where his association with Tucker Carlson, who has faced accusations of anti-Semitism, was a point of discussion. Following the event, Vance hosted Jewish conservative radio host Sid Rosenberg at the White House and later held a Shabbat dinner at the Naval Observatory.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has publicly criticized Vance's stance on Iran and his ties to Carlson, stating his intention to be a part of the party's discussions regarding its future leadership. In secretly recorded donor meetings in 2025, Cruz reportedly described Vance as a "protégé" of Carlson and suggested they were "one and the same."
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a prominent figure in Republican circles, has also indicated a potential presidential run. Kennedy recently traveled to Iowa, the first state in the GOP nominating contest, and spoke at a major Republican gathering. While stating he is planning to run for reelection, Kennedy remarked, "But if I get tired of this place and/or if a bunch of goobers run for president, then I reserve the right to run." Kennedy, who published a bestseller in 2025, has a significant amount of funds in his Senate campaign account.
Recent polling suggests Vance holds a lead among potential GOP voters. A Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll showed Vance with 44 percent support, followed by Marco Rubio at 21 percent. Rubio has stated he has no plans to run and would support Vance. Cruz garnered 3 percent in the same poll.
Despite Vance's polling numbers, some prominent donors have expressed reservations. Billionaire Ken Griffin indicated he would be "predisposed" to back Rubio over Vance. Vance's standing in prediction markets has fluctuated, with his odds on Kalshi dropping in June but recently recovering.
Vance's views on the Iran war have become a point of contention, particularly after Trump noted that Vance was "maybe less enthusiastic" about military strikes. Trump, however, has maintained that he and Vance "get along very well."
Cruz has framed the current political landscape as an ideological debate within the party, questioning whether it should prioritize small-government conservatism or a more interventionist approach, and whether it should adopt an isolationist foreign policy or embrace American leadership.
Other potential Republican candidates have also made statements about their future ambitions. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, while claiming he is not running for president, emphasized that the presidency is "the best job." Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who polled at 1 percent, stated he is undecided about a run until after the midterm elections. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has not ruled out a presidential bid but suggested it is too early to assess the field.