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As Democrats take control of Congress in the midterm elections, MAGA voters are already weighing President Donald Trump’s potential successors in 2028 – with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeatedly emerging as favorites among those polled by Fox News Digital.
“I like (Rubio),” one American told Fox News Digital. “I like that he’s pragmatic, similar to Trump.”
“Well I obviously like JD Vance,” said another. “I like Marco Rubio. There are also others who are maybe not so mainstream who are coming up and who I like too.”
TRUMP TOLD DONORS ‘WE NEED TO ELECT JD,’ SOURCE CONFIRMS, AS HE WEIGHS VANCE OR RUBIO IN 2028
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are gaining ground among American voters as potential Republican-friendly candidates for the 2028 presidential race. (Annabelle Gordon/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images; KYLIE COOPER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“JD is great too, but Rubio has a little more experience,” one said. “He speaks well, he expresses himself well. He has good ideas. I really like him.”
Fox News Digital spoke with Americans attending a Trump rally in Bangor, Maine, as one of Trump’s final stops before Tuesday’s midterm elections that ended with a stunning blue wave. Fueled by anger over high costs and the war with Iran, Americans voted to oust Trump and his agenda, propelling Democrats to large majorities in the House and Senate.
As Democrats seek to rebuke Trump and his allies, Republicans Fox News Digital spoke with are looking for a presidential candidate to replace Trump’s “tracks.”
“I’m really open to seeing who can follow in Trump’s footsteps, not just the next person in line,” one told Fox News Digital.
FOX NEWS/NORC STUDY: VOTERS WATCH 2028 FOCUSED ON ECONOMY
Senator Chuck Schumer said President Donald Trump, seen on October 28, 2026, would face Senate investigations every time he violated the law. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“I wish Trump could run again,” said another.
Another raised the prospect of another presidential run by Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., who has tried to distance himself from the results of Tuesday’s midterm elections. At a news conference Wednesday, he praised Florida for keeping the state under GOP control — suggesting his governance was one reason Florida Republicans held on.
“I would like to see either JD and Marco or JD and Governor DeSantis,” one said at the Trump rally. “That’s what I would feel comfortable with.”
Beyond Vance, Rubio and DeSantis, other prominent Republicans whose names have surfaced in early 2028 discussions include Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo.
CRUZ-VANCE RIVALRY HEATS UP AS TEXAS SENATOR Suggests VP ‘doesn’t feel safe’
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, speaks during a campaign rally with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers at the Grosse Point Victory Center in Grosse Point Woods, Michigan, October 28, 2026. (JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images)
No major Republican candidate has officially announced a presidential campaign in 2028, although the conclusion of the midterm elections has shed light on the party’s upcoming presidential nomination.
Although some Fox News Digital spoke with expressed a preference for Rubio over Vance, other Trump supporters didn’t choose between the two, praising them as potential successors to the president.
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“I love JD Vance and I love Marco Rubio,” one said. “I think these are two very remarkable candidates who will continue to make America great again.”
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