JD Vance Viewed as Top Contender for 2028 Republican Nomination
In a striking development at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), conservative voters have cast their preferences for the Republican presidential nominee in the upcoming 2028 election cycle. The straw poll conducted among the conference’s attendees indicates that Vice President JD Vance is emerging as the frontrunner.
CPAC Straw Poll Results
Speaking from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Jim McLaughlin of McLaughlin & Associates Polls shared the findings of the straw poll on Saturday. “You guys are the conservative movement, you guys are the thought leaders, the opinion leaders. We asked folks who they thought would be the Republican nominee, who they preferred for the Republican for president in 2028. And who is it? JD Vance,” McLaughlin stated.
According to McLaughlin, Vance is perceived as closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, which contributes significantly to his appeal among conservatives. While he did not disclose specific statistical data on Vance’s backing, the sentiment among attendees is clear.
Competitive Landscape
The CPAC attendees indicated that other potential Republican nominees include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, although Vance led the pack decisively. The straw poll collected responses from over 1,000 attendees, and its results were eagerly anticipated as the conference’s activities concluded with a speech from Trump.
McLaughlin reminded attendees that previous CPAC straw polls have historically anticipated the sentiments and voting inclinations within the conservative movement, accurately predicting Trump’s victories in both the 2024 primary and general election. “You all knew that he was going to win the primary. You all knew that he was going to win the general election, no matter what the Democrats threw at us,” McLaughlin reflected.
Trump’s Approval Ratings at CPAC
The pulse of the conference wasn’t exclusively focused on the 2028 race; it also highlighted Trump’s current approval ratings. The results suggested an extraordinary level of satisfaction among attendees, with Trump earning a staggering 99% approval rating across various measures. “The first few weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency have been the best for the modern conservative movement in my lifetime. What do you think about that? Well, 99% agreed with that,” he emphasized.
These impressive numbers indicate that the conservative base views Trump’s first weeks in his second term as a critical period for the movement, as evidenced by a unanimous 99% consensus on the importance of Congress passing his agenda efficiently.
Trump’s Vision and Strategic Alliances
Regarding foreign policy, respondents expressed overwhelming support for Trump’s consideration of establishing a national security and economic alliance with Greenland, with 93% backing the initiative. “It just makes sense for economic reasons, for national security reasons,” McLaughlin explained, underscoring the Magnus of Trump’s vision in foreign relations.
Final Thoughts on CPAC Outcomes
As the straw poll’s results reverberate through the Republican Party, Vance’s position as a potential nominee illustrates the lingering influence of Trump’s presidency on the party’s trajectory. “We’ve never seen anybody unite the conservative movement the way Donald Trump has done this,” McLaughlin asserted.
The straw poll is a crucial indicator of the Republican landscape moving forward, establishing the groundwork for the 2028 election cycle as discussions about Vance and other candidates continue to evolve. With a backdrop of a highly active Trump administration already setting the pace for its agenda, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will further shift in the run-up to the next presidential election.
