Marco Rubio positions himself as a viable option for the 2028 elections within the Republican Party

Marco Rubio, current Secretary of State of the United States, appears in the latest polls as one of the figures with the greatest viability within the Republican Party heading into the 2028 presidential elections.

Although still behind Vice President JD Vance, Rubio is among a small group of Republican leaders with considerable support within the ranks.

According to a survey published by YouGov between September 5 and 8, 2025, 33% of Republicans and independents who lean towards this party indicated that they would consider voting for Rubio in a presidential primary.

This figure places him behind Vance (65%), Ron DeSantis (40%), and Donald Trump Jr. (37%), but ahead of historical figures like Ted Cruz (29%) and Nikki Haley (14%).

The study also shows that Rubio has a core of loyal supporters and is viewed as a consensus figure in a party that is experiencing internal tensions following Trump's return to the White House.

Although Vance—currently the Vice President of the United States and a central figure in Trumpism—is the favorite of most surveyed Republicans (44% choose him as their first option), Rubio maintains a strong image, especially among voters seeking leadership with experience in foreign policy.

The survey also indicates that among Republican voters who do not identify as "MAGA," there is a greater willingness to explore alternatives such as Rubio, DeSantis, or even Trump Jr., which opens up a strategic space for the Secretary of State in the immediate future.

In this segment, over 70% said they would prefer their non-Trump candidate over the possibility of Donald Trump seeking a third term.

Rubio's weight within the Republican ranks can be explained, in part, by his history as a senator from Florida, his international experience in diplomacy, and his closeness to the Latino community—factors that set him apart from other Republican contenders.

Analysts highlight that, while JD Vance currently holds the party leadership from the vice presidency and the presidency of the Republican National Committee, Rubio could emerge as a viable alternative in a scenario of fragmentation.

For their part, among Democrats, the YouGov poll reveals that Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris lead the preferences for 2028, with 55% and 54% support respectively as potential candidates.

These numbers depict an open landscape, where both political formations are seeking to solidify their positions heading into the upcoming elections.

In conclusion, although JD Vance remains the undisputed favorite within the Republican ranks, Marco Rubio's rise in the polls positions him as a viable option capable of garnering support beyond the hardcore base of Trumpism.

The figure of Marco Rubio has strongly resurfaced within the Republican Party, especially after Donald Trump included him among his potential successors, alongside JD Vance.

The president praised Rubio's career and his role as a senator from Florida, considering him a significant option within the Republican landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

This public mention of Trump was reinforced weeks later when he again referred to Vance and Rubio as the most likely figures to inherit the leadership of the conservative movement.

Although JD Vance enjoys greater affinity with the core of Trumpism, Rubio is seen as a more moderate alternative with more experience in foreign policy, which broadens his support among independent voters and traditional Republicans.

Despite these signs of support, , claiming that “you never know what will happen in politics.”

This caution, far from weakening their position, has been interpreted as a strategy to remain relevant without rushing, in anticipation of a possible scenario of fragmentation within the party.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marco Rubio's Position in the 2028 Presidential Elections