Who Could Run in 2028? Trump's Take on Potential Successors

President Donald Trump of the United States brought up Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential race. However, he refrained from naming any one individual as his likely successor within the Republican Party.

The remarks were made during an exchange with Fox journalists and were shared on Sunday through the Rapid Response 47 account, which is linked to White House communications.

When asked, "Who will run in 2028?" by a reporter, referring to the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, Trump replied, "I could tell you who I think it will be, but it's a bit early," hinting that he might disclose his preferences at a later time.

Speculation on Republican Contenders

Pressed further on which names he had heard, Trump directly mentioned two key officials in his administration. "We have great names. We have JD, Marco, and many others. We have a fantastic group of candidates," he stated, adding that, in his opinion, the Democrats lack a comparable lineup.

Trump did not specify whether he would prefer Vance to lead a future presidential ticket with Rubio as a running mate, nor did he explicitly endorse either of them.

Democratic Prospects and Trump's View

The discussion also touched on two potential Democratic contenders: former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom. "I suppose they are possibilities. I think Kamala is leading right now, which is quite surprising, but it's okay," Trump commented, without referencing any specific poll or metric.

Regarding Newsom, he noted that he hadn't seen his name come up as frequently lately. "There are four or five. They have some good people that folks aren't talking about, really. I hope they continue not to talk about them," he added, without identifying these other potential candidates.

Trump's Behind-the-Scenes Conversations

Trump's remarks are part of his ongoing public references to the Republican succession, a topic he has addressed multiple times without making a formal endorsement. Back in February 2026, Axios reported that Trump was consulting advisors and close associates about his preferences between JD Vance and Marco Rubio, in private discussions concerning the future of the MAGA movement.

According to that report, Trump valued both officials and believed they could play significant roles in the 2028 Republican candidacy. During a White House dinner in May, he even described a potential Vance-Rubio ticket as a "dream team" and polled attendees about their preferences.

He suggested that the Vice President could lead the ticket with Rubio as a companion but clarified that his comments did not constitute an official endorsement. The idea of a joint candidacy has also been floated by members of the Republican Party, though neither official has formally announced a run for the 2028 presidency.

Insights into Rubio's Political Future

Last August, Fox News reported that Trump told a group of donors about the need to support JD Vance, according to a source familiar with the private conversation. This was interpreted as a sign of preference for the Vice President, though those familiar with the exchange cautioned that it did not indicate a final decision by Trump.

Rubio, with his extensive political career, has also been mentioned as a possible presidential hopeful due to his experience as a Florida senator and his current role as Secretary of State. The Cuban-American politician previously sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, competing against Trump in the primaries.

In September, Rubio denied preparing an immediate presidential bid, stating that his current responsibilities fully occupied his time. He had also previously expressed support for Vance should the Vice President decide to seek the Republican nomination.

An analysis by The Washington Post in August identified Vance and Rubio as among the most frequently mentioned Republican figures for 2028, alongside other potential candidates like Senator Ted Cruz and state party leaders. In September, during a Republican convention in Dallas, the Associated Press gathered opinions from attendees who mentioned Vance, Rubio, Ron DeSantis, and Cruz as possible successors to Trump.

In the Democratic arena, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom are also prominent names in 2028 discussions, along with other leaders like Pete Buttigieg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The next U.S. presidential election is set for November 7, 2028. Trump, who is serving his second presidential term, is barred from seeking re-election under the provisions of the Twenty-Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.