Trump can’t run again. Someone needs to succeed him.
And now a new 2028 presidential frontrunner took center stage.
Marco Rubio Surges in 2028 GOP Field as Buttigieg Leads Democrats
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made significant gains in the early 2028 Republican presidential race, closing the gap with Vice President JD Vance according to a new Emerson College poll.
Rubio now sits just one point behind Vance among likely GOP primary voters, reflecting growing support for the experienced diplomat within the party.
The poll shows Rubio at 35%, up sharply from 20% in February and just 9% in prior surveys. Vance holds 36%, down from 52% in earlier polling. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley tied for third at 5% each.
“The Republican primary has shifted significantly since February, when 52% supported Vance and 20% Rubio; the potential 2028 contenders now compete evenly,” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a statement.
“Rubio has found support among Republican Primary voters over 50, who support him by a six-point margin over Vance, 41% to 35%, while Vance leads the younger Republican vote under 50, 37% to 26%,” Kimball explained.
About 15% of GOP voters remain undecided.
GOP Primary Dynamics and Trump’s Influence
President Trump has publicly floated both Vance and Rubio as strong successors, even referring to a potential Vance-Rubio ticket as a “dream team.”
The former president has taken informal polls at recent rallies asking crowds which they prefer to carry forward the MAGA movement.
The results highlight a competitive and maturing Republican field focused on continuity and proven leadership after strong policy successes in the current administration.
Democratic Primary Shifts Toward Buttigieg
On the Democratic side, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has emerged as the narrow frontrunner with 18% support, edging past California Gov. Gavin Newsom who fell to 16%.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez placed third at 11%, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and former Vice President Kamala Harris tied at 10%. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear rounded out the top five at 9%, with 18% of Democratic voters undecided.
