Rubio dominates Vance in 2028 straw poll stunner

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a major surprise this past weekend, dominating a high-profile presidential straw poll and surging far ahead of Vice President JD Vance, according to The Hill.

Straw Poll Results

The survey, conducted at the Western Conservative Summit in Colorado, polled more than 500 attendees. Rubio, the former U.S. senator from Florida, captured 57% of the support, while Vance trailed significantly as the runner-up with 21%.

The remaining spots in the top five were rounded out by former Vice President Mike Pence, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In total, Rubio topped a diverse field of 27 potential Republican and Democratic candidates.

Approval Ratings Heading Into 2028

When asked about overall approval ratings regarding potential 2028 contenders, only three Republicans cleared majority support: Rubio (85%), Vance (71%), and DeSantis (55%).

Greg Schaller, director of the Centennial Institute, praised the Secretary of State’s performance: “Secretary Rubio has earned this trust the hard way, and this Summit’s grassroots are telling him, loud and clear, that they’re behind him.” Schaller described Rubio as a leader who has steadfastly defended the values of “faith, family, and freedom.”

The Road Ahead

While the polling suggests significant momentum, neither man has officially declared a bid for the 2028 presidency. Vance has stated he plans to discuss a potential campaign with his wife, Usha, following this November’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, Rubio has noted he would defer to the Vice President should Vance decide to run.

Despite this recent shift in the straw poll, Vance has remained the frontrunner in broader polling for the 2028 GOP nomination. President Donald Trump, who is ineligible for a third term, has yet to formally endorse a successor, though he has previously indicated that a ticket featuring both Vance and Rubio would be a formidable force.