Vice President JD Vance is positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential run after the Republican Party suffered major losses in the 2026 midterm elections, according to multiple news reports.
Vance has publicly blamed the Iran war for the party's defeat, breaking with President Donald Trump on the issue. In a social media post, Vance said, "The reason we lost is the war," and argued that any honest conversation about the party's future must start there. Some reports say Vance is trying to appeal to Trump voters who are frustrated with the war and want the party to focus on cost of living, inflation, and an "America First" agenda.
Reports differ on Vance's standing. Yahoo News, citing an analyst, says Vance's chances of becoming Trump's chosen successor have taken a hit after the midterms, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now the favorite among Republicans. Business Today reports that both Vance and Rubio are considered top GOP candidates for 2028. Reuters says Vance is trying to build his own brand, talking less about Trump and more about his own vision.
Some reports note that Trump has praised Vance as talented but has not endorsed him for 2028. When asked about Vance's potential bid, Trump said, "We'll see what happens." The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Vance has not ruled out a run.
Other outlets report that Susie Wiles, a former Trump aide, knew of Vance's plan to post about the Iran war before he did so. The Daily Beast says this revelation came after Wiles was fired. Al Jazeera reports that the Democratic "blue tsunami" in the midterms has highlighted a growing distaste for Trump's brand among some Republicans.
What happens next is unclear. Several reports say the 2028 race is effectively beginning now, with Republicans weighing their options after the midterm defeat.