After Trump, who? JD Vance leads GOP succession talk; Rubio, DeSantis also draw support

Vice President JD Vance is increasingly being seen as a leading contender to succeed President Donald Trump, but Republican voters and delegates are far from settled on who should carry the party’s banner in 2028.Vance was front and centre at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where chants of “JD, JD, JD” and “48, 48, 48” broke out, the latter referring to the next US president. Trump also praised his vice president afterwards, calling him a “very talented guy” who “did a very good job.”The show of support came as Trump and Vance urged Republicans to turn out for the November elections, which will also serve as an early test of the party’s prospects beyond Trump’s presidency.Vance himself avoided directly addressing the 2028 race. When a supporter shouted “JD 48!” during his speech, he smiled before responding: “We gotta take care of business this November and then we’ll worry about what comes next.”Still, his position as a potential frontrunner was evident. Some delegates said Vance was a natural choice because of his current role and close association with Trump’s administration.“I think Vance is being groomed for that position. I mean, that’s why he picked him for VP,” said Anthony Johnston, a Delaware accountant who attended the convention, as quoted by AP. “He’s different than Trump. No one’s Trump. But I like him a lot.”But Vance is not the only name circulating among Republicans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Senator Ted Cruz also featured prominently in conversations with delegates, highlighting how open the succession contest remains.Rubio, DeSantis also draw supportRubio has emerged as a particularly strong alternative to Vance among some Republicans. Peggy Stanton, a Houston retiree, said she had long believed Rubio would eventually become president.“He’s so knowledgeable. He totally understands international threats, the threats of communism,” Stanton said. “Every single issue I hear him speak on, he gets it. He has charisma. I just feel like he would be a great president.”DeSantis, who challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024, also retains support. Rochelle Brooks, a Dallas IT manager, said she would back the Florida governor if forced to choose now.“If I had to name somebody at this moment, if I was forced, I would say it’s the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis,” Brooks said. “What he’s done in Florida is a roadmap for what we need to do in America.”For some Republicans, the choice could ultimately depend on whom Trump endorses. Norma Alruosan, a payroll tax analyst from the Dallas area, said she was torn between Vance and Rubio and would likely follow Trump’s lead.“That’s going to be hard,” she said. Her decision, she added, would likely depend on whom Trump endorses.Others said it was simply too early to make a choice. Stephanie Donofry, from Pennsylvania, said both Vance and Rubio had demonstrated their ability to lead.“They are both proven. They are both capable,” she said. “I couldn’t tell you which one I prefer more.”A wide-open fieldThe range of names being discussed reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Republican succession race. Trump remains the dominant figure in the party, and no candidate has formally entered the 2028 presidential contest.There are also potential dark-horse contenders. Some convention attendees mentioned Texas Representative Brandon Gill, while others backed Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie despite his recent primary defeat. Texas Senator Ted Cruz also received support, including from voters drawn to his Cuban-American background.For Vance, however, his proximity to Trump gives him an obvious advantage. Bill Schneider, a Texas finance professional, said he would favour a Vance-Rubio ticket with Vance at the top.“He’s kind of like spending a little bit more time with Trump, kind of see the inner workings, how he is,” Schneider said. “And I think he also has a very similar personality to Trump in terms of very direct. I think he’s very sharp-witted.”Yet the absence of a clear consensus underscores how early the race is. Republicans are already weighing the candidates who could shape the party after Trump, but for now, Vance, Rubio, DeSantis and others remain in an increasingly crowded field.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.