2028? Conservatives’ favorite to replace Trump revealed in CPAC poll… but runner up is gaining ground

March 28, 2026

From the Daily Mail: A majority of activists attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) selected Vice President JD Vance as their preferred nominee for president in 2028.

Fifty-three percent of activists in the CPAC straw poll chose Vance while 35 percent chose Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The CPAC straw poll offers a window into the preferred choice for grassroots activists who attend the conference every year.

Vance, who did not speak at the conference this year, earned more support the previous year with 61 percent.

Rubio, who only earned three percent support in 2025, earned significantly more support from conservatives, thanks to his work for President Trump on issues of foreign policy.

President Trump has hinted more than once that Vance and Rubio should run together on a 2028 ticket. The two are reportedly close friends.

Below is the full list of potential 2028 presidential candidates who were highlighted on CPAC’s straw poll:

🟥JD Vance 53%
🟥Marco Rubio 35%
🟥Ron DeSantis 2%
🟥Donald Trump Jr 2%
🟥Ted Cruz 1%
🟥Pete Hegseth 1%
🟥Rand Paul 1%
🟥Tulsi Gabbard 1%
🟥Greg Abbott 1%
🟥RFK Jr 0%
🟥Lindsey Graham 0%
🟥Glenn Youngkin 0%
🟥Rick Scott 0%
Undceided 3%

CPAC straw poll | 3/28

2028 US Republican presidential primary

🟥JD Vance 53%
🟥Marco Rubio 35%
🟥Ron DeSantis 2%
🟥Donald Trump Jr 2%
🟥Ted Cruz 1%
🟥Pete Hegseth 1%
🟥Rand Paul 1%
🟥Tulsi Gabbard 1%
🟥Greg Abbott 1%
🟥RFK Jr 0%
🟥Lindsey Graham 0%
🟥Glenn Youngkin 0%
🟥Rick… pic.twitter.com/yaP9tpkqSL

— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) March 28, 2026

🚨 JUST IN: JD Vance and Marco Rubio were just found to be the CLEAR 2028 GOP presidential frontrunners — CPAC straw poll

🔴 JD Vance: 53%
🔴 Marco Rubio: 35%

Love them both!

They are BEST friends. We have a stacked bench 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HqWRK0xEQq

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 28, 2026