JD Vance touted as Trump heir while Rubio says he won’t run in 2028
Vice President JD Vance positioned himself as Donald Trump’s successor at a GOP convention, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he has no presidential plans for 2028.
During a Republican midterms convention in Dallas, Vice President JD Vance gave a 40-minute address that cast him as Donald Trump’s logical successor, prompting the MAGA audience to chant “48!” in support. He also paid tribute to Charlie Kirk and rebuked a heckler with a Mexican flag, while President Trump praised his performance aboard Air Force One. In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent the week traveling in South America and, when asked by Colombian outlet RCN, said he has no plans to run for president and is fully focused on his two jobs, including his role as acting national security adviser.
One outlet confirmed Rubio’s satisfaction with his current position and ruled out a 2028 bid, though he might be open to 2032 or 2036. The GOP’s internal jockeying comes as the party prepares for the November midterms, with Trump promising cash incentives for retaining congressional control.
Why it matters
The story shows how the Republican Party is shaping its leadership succession ahead of the 2028 election.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 9 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker warned that any Republican attending the GOP midterm convention and praising Donald Trump is ineligible for a 2028 presidential run.
- Sep 9 Donors were offered a $88,600 photo opportunity with Trump and ticket packages from $5,000 to $20,000, with a $25,000 fee for House members.
- Sep 10 Pritzker warned that Republicans praising Trump at the GOP midterm convention could be barred from the 2028 presidential ballot.
- Sep 10 Major broadcasters are limiting live coverage of the convention due to a clash with NFL opening‑weekend games.
- Sep 10 Trump boosted Michael Whatley, the former RNC chair and GOP Senate nominee in North Carolina, and said Governor Roy Cooper did nothing to help after Hurricane Helene.
- Sep 10 $49 million was earmarked by the No Going Back PAC for six Senate and one House races.
- Sep 10 Vice‑president JD Vance will give the keynote address tonight at the RNC event in Dallas.
- Sep 10 Donald Trump announced a promise to give every American adult a $5,000 payment if Republicans keep the House and Senate, a plan that would require congressional approval and cost over $1 trillion.
- Sep 10 Several GOP lawmakers publicly questioned the feasibility and fiscal impact of the dividend.
- Sep 10 Fetterman recorded the video standing before a steel mill and labeled himself a “common‑sense Democrat” opposing socialism and extreme politics.
- Sep 10 At the closing day of the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump and JD Vance promoted a $5,000 payment to every adult if Republicans keep Congress, while legal battles over Missouri’s congressional map and mail-ballot rules continued.
- Sep 11 Vice President JD Vance took the main speaking slot, signaling a potential succession plan ahead of the November vote.
- Sep 11 Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa voiced support for a universal $5,000 payout while insisting it should not be conditioned on the midterm results.
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