Jay David Vance

J.D. Vance, the Vice President of the United States, is among the first names mentioned as a possible successor to Trump. Once a critic and now an active supporter of the President, Vance has become a vocal proponent of economic populism and foreign policy protectionism in the spirit of “America First.” Trump has spoken highly of Vance, though he has not given him a direct endorsement yet. Vance, for his part, emphasizes that if he runs in 2028, he does not expect to be seen as the “default heir.”

Marco Antonio Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is an increasingly influential figure in Trump’s administration and one of the potential contenders for the 2028 nomination. He became the second person in American history to hold the positions of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in parallel. However, skepticism remains among supporters of the “Make America Great Again” motto: Rubio is viewed as not fully committed to Trump’s ideas. Besides, his past rivalry with Donald Trump is still remembered.

Donald John Trump Jr.

A recent speech by Trump’s eldest son at a business summit in Qatar reignited speculation about his potential run in 2028. His remark about a “calling” was widely interpreted as a hint at presidential ambitions, although Trump Jr. swiftly dismissed such assumptions, accusing the media of misrepresenting his words. At the same time, he noted that he is not ruling out future political involvement. If he does enter the race, his rivalry with J.D. Vance could become a central political drama.

Ronald Dion DeSantis

After a tense showdown during the 2024 primaries, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis have since reconciled. At present, the Florida governor has endorsed the President and actively promotes his immigration agenda. Still, DeSantis faces a challenging path toward a potential 2028 campaign. His relationship with state lawmakers remains unstable, and his wife’s charitable initiative is facing growing scrutiny. Nevertheless, DeSantis is still seen as a potential presidential contender.

Glenn Allen Youngkin

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is one of the few Republicans who has displayed that it was possible to win in a Democrat-leaning state. In 2024, he opted out of the presidential race, avoiding direct conflict with Trump. However, a 2028 bid remains on the table. Despite clashes with Democrats in the state legislature and a failed attempt to advance a conservative agenda, Youngkin maintains a reputation as a moderate and managerially effective Republican.

Kristi Lynn Noem

Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, now serving as Secretary of Homeland Security, is regarded as one of Trump’s most loyal allies. She has been a vocal defender of the administration’s immigration policies and is involved in high-profile initiatives, including restrictions on foreign students. A scandal over her confession of killing her own dog during a hunting trip blemished her reputation, but Trump still entrusted her with a key position. Her possible participation in the 2028 election remains on the table.

Brian Porter Kemp

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has returned to the spotlight after refusing to run for a Senate seat. This move was interpreted as a sign of higher ambitions for 2028. Despite his past disagreements with Trump, the two policymakers seem to have come to a common ground since then. Still, Kemp’s cautious rhetoric toward the President may weaken his support among the party’s most loyal voters.