Fresh off a midterm election that handed Democrats control of Congress, supporters of President Donald Trump are already looking ahead to the 2028 presidential race, and two names surfaced again and again in interviews with Fox News Digital: Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Fox News Digital spoke with Americans attending a Trump rally in Bangor, Maine, one of the president's final stops before Tuesday's midterms. The vote produced a stunning blue wave, as Americans angered by high costs and the war with Iran moved to oust Trump and his agenda, lifting Democrats to large majorities in both the House and Senate.
Asked who should carry the movement forward, rallygoers frequently paired praise for both men. "I like [Rubio]," one American told Fox News Digital. "I like that he's no-nonsense, similar to Trump." Another said, "Well, I like JD Vance obviously. I like Marco Rubio. There's some other ones too that are maybe not so much mainstream that are coming up that I like too."
Some gave Rubio the edge on experience. "JD is great too, but Rubio has a little more experience," one voter said. "He's articulate, he's well spoken. He's got good ideas. I just really like him."
Several Republicans interviewed said the party needs a candidate who can build on Trump's legacy rather than simply inherit it. "I'm really open to see who can fill Trump's footsteps, not just the next person in line," one told Fox News Digital. Another added, "I wish Trump could run again."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also entered the conversation. DeSantis has tried to distance himself from Tuesday's results, using a Wednesday news conference to praise Florida for staying under GOP control and suggesting his governance helped state Republicans hold on. "I would like to see either JD And Marco, or JD And Governor DeSantis," one rally attendee said. "That's what I would feel comfortable with."
Beyond Vance, Rubio and DeSantis, other prominent Republicans whose names have surfaced in early 2028 discussions include Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri. No major Republican contender has formally announced a 2028 campaign, though the conclusion of the midterms has brought the party's next presidential nomination into sharper focus.
Not everyone was ready to pick a favorite. Despite some voters expressing a preference for Rubio over Vance, others praised both as worthy heirs to the president's movement. "I like JD Vance, and I like Marco Rubio," one said. "I think those are two very outstanding candidates that will continue to make America great again."
