Vice President JD Vance Leads Early Polls for 2028 Republican Primary

A recent national poll places Vice President JD Vance ahead in the early stages of the 2028 Republican presidential primary race. The election remains years away, and no candidates have officially entered the contest.

The Big Data Poll indicates Vance has 35.4 percent support from potential Republican voters, significantly ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stands at 16.5 percent. On the Democratic side, former Vice President Kamala Harris leads with 29.1 percent, with California Governor Gavin Newsom at 15 percent.

Vance’s current lead reflects his prominence in the Republican Party. However, the 2028 race is still open, with several notable Republicans, including Rubio, seen as likely candidates if they enter the running.

Republican Candidates and Voter Preferences

The latest poll results show Vance ahead of other potential contenders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. DeSantis holds 7.1 percent, Kennedy Jr. 6.5 percent, and Cruz 4.4 percent. Other prospective candidates scored below 4 percent. The poll highlights that 12.1 percent of respondents remain undecided, while 2.5 percent would choose an option outside the listed candidates.

Vance leads Rubio in support among different demographics, including men, women, Hispanics, Republicans, and Independents. The survey conducted from June 26 to June 28, 2026, involved 1,261 registered Republican voters with a margin of error of 1.8 percent.

Democratic Field Dynamics

On the Democratic front, polls from 2026 indicate Harris as the favorite among primary voters. She garners measured support alongside Newsom and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also in the mix.

JD Vance’s Position on 2028 Candidacy

Despite leading in polls, JD Vance has not confirmed a 2028 presidential bid. He stated his current focus on his role in the administration rather than future political plans. In interviews, Vance emphasized the support from the President but refrained from committing to any decision about running.

Responding to speculation about a potential Vance-Rubio ticket, Vance expressed skepticism, noting public resistance to candidates seeking new positions shortly after assuming current ones.