Cruz doubts J.D. Vance will become the Republican nominee in 2028

Senator Ted Cruz told MS Now’s Way Too Early that he does not believe J.D. Vance is the automatic Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential race. He argued the GOP must engage in a full discussion about its values and will support the most conservative candidate with a realistic chance of victory.

Cruz dismissed the idea of a "Never Trump" lane, insisting any nominee needs a viable path to win. While lauding Donald Trump as an extraordinary and fearless president, he expressed a wish for greater message discipline within the party. He also raised questions about whether the party should prioritize small-government free-market policies or a larger-government approach, and claimed Democrats are embroiled in a civil war with the Democratic Socialists of America. Cruz did not reveal whether he might run himself in 2028.