Marco Rubio is quickly slicing into JD Vance’s once-commanding lead amongst conservative activists, with the most recent CPAC straw ballot displaying him surging into a powerful second place as Vance’s help slips from final yr — tightening what had been a lopsided race to succeed President Donald Trump.
Vance nonetheless led the 2026 Conservative Political Motion Convention straw ballot Saturday with 53% help, however Rubio’s 35% displaying marked a pointy rise that considerably narrowed what had been a a lot wider hole between the 2 males in final yr’s survey.
Final yr, Vance truly posted a stronger 61% displaying and Rubio languished at simply 3%.
Rubio’s rise within the CPAC vote comes together with his rising visibility on overseas coverage and nationwide safety points, together with the Iran Conflict, elevating his standing amongst conservative voters.
The widening consideration on each males displays an rising two-lane contest for the get together’s future — one anchored by Vance’s populist alignment with Trump and one other pushed by Rubio’s increasing coverage profile.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as soon as seen as a high inheritor obvious, drew simply 2% help in the identical straw ballot, underscoring his diminished standing amongst activists regardless of him persevering with to sign openness to a future White Home bid.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have been all tied at 1%.
The CPAC outcome shouldn’t be an remoted information level however a part of a broader sample of early positioning forward of the 2028 race, the place Vance has constantly appeared close to the highest of preliminary polling and candidate watchlists.
Nonetheless, Rubio’s upward trajectory suggests the race is much from settled.
In November, Vance acknowledged he’s weighing a possible 2028 presidential run however says his fast focus stays on governing and serving to Republicans win the midterms earlier than making any determination — whereas downplaying rivalry with Rubio, whom he described as an in depth ally regardless of each being seen as main contenders to succeed Trump.
“I’d say that I’ve considered what that second would possibly appear like after the midterm elections, positive,” Vance, 41, informed Fox Information final fall.
“However I additionally, at any time when I take into consideration that, I attempt to put it out of my head and remind myself the American folks elected me to do a job proper now and my job is to do it.”
Trump dominated out working as Vance’s vp to realize a 3rd time period in workplace, although he has mused a couple of potential 2028 face-off towards New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
