Political commentator Chris Cillizza recently described Vice President JD Vance as a “formidable” potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, warning that Democrats may be underestimating him “at their own peril.” During a live stream on his YouTube channel, Cillizza emphasized that Vance’s appeal is stronger than many anticipate, citing an Emerson College poll showing the vice president with a 46 percent favorability rating—leading several prominent Republicans and Democrats, including other potential 2028 contenders.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten also highlighted Vance’s early advantage in polling, noting the historical success rate of sitting vice presidents seeking their party’s nomination. “Early favorites have gone on to win the nomination 63 percent of the time since 1980,” Enten said, adding that Vance currently holds 40 percent support among Republican respondents, far ahead of other potential candidates.
Vance has also drawn significant grassroots support. A straw poll conducted at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest showed him receiving 84.2 percent backing from attendees, outpacing other Republicans, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 4.8 percent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 2.9 percent, and Donald Trump Jr. at 1.8 percent. Blake Neff, producer of the “Charlie Kirk Show,” noted that Vance’s support in the 2028 poll exceeded the level of backing Donald Trump received in a similar 2024 straw poll.
At AmericaFest in Phoenix, Vance was the final featured speaker, and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk appeared to signal her support for his potential candidacy. “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” she told thousands of activists, according to videos of the event.
Despite the attention, Vance has repeatedly stated that his focus remains on the upcoming midterms. In an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity,” he said, “We’re going to win the midterms. We’re going to do everything that we can to win the midterms. And then after that, I’m going to sit down with the president of the United States and talk to him about it.”
Nevertheless, Vance occasionally targets potential Democratic rivals for 2028, suggesting they may nominate a “California liberal” such as Gavin Newsom or Kamala Harris, citing issues like rolling blackouts, open borders, and rising crime.
With Turning Point USA’s nationwide campus network, digital influence, and grassroots mobilization power, the organization could offer Vance a strong platform if he decides to pursue a presidential bid in 2028, further boosting his early momentum within the Republican Party.
