Vice President J.D. Vance emerged as a dominant figure in the early 2028 Republican primary landscape, securing a commanding 61 percent of the vote in a straw poll conducted during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) over the weekend. Vance’s victory was particularly notable as he outpaced his nearest rival by nearly 50 percentage points, signaling strong support among conservative activists.
The straw poll results were announced following Vance’s address at the conference on Thursday, where he outlined his vision for the future of the Republican Party. His performance at CPAC appears to have resonated well with attendees, showcasing his potential as a leading candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
In a distant second place was Steve Bannon, the former political strategist for President Donald Trump, who garnered 12 percent of the votes. Bannon also spoke at the conference, reinforcing his presence within conservative circles despite his controversial past.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailed with 7 percent of the vote, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Representative Elise Stefanik, who is Trump’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations, each received 3 percent. The results indicate a significant gap between Vance and the other candidates, suggesting that he may be consolidating support among key Republican voters.
Earlier this month, Trump was asked about the possibility of Vance being his successor in the 2028 election. While he acknowledged Vance’s capabilities, Trump refrained from endorsing him outright, stating, "It’s too early. We are just starting." This statement reflects the ongoing uncertainty within the Republican Party as potential candidates begin to position themselves for the next election cycle.
The results of this straw poll not only highlight Vance’s rising star within the party but also set the stage for what promises to be a competitive primary season as various factions within the GOP vie for influence and support leading up to the 2028 election.
