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A group of donors and operatives from the Republican Party has begun secretly plotting an effort to promote Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a presidential candidate in 2028, as . The initiative, still in its early stages, is not being coordinated by Rubio himself, but by figures from the party's financial circles seeking to elevate his political profile ahead of the Republican primaries following the 2026 midterm elections.
The latest catalyst was the Operation Epic Fury against Iran, launched on February 28, during which Rubio was alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago while Vice President JD Vance stayed in Washington. Trump publicly acknowledged that Vance was "perhaps less enthusiastic about going, but he was quite enthusiastic," a comment that some in Republican circles interpreted as a hint about the president's preferences regarding his successor.
According to sources cited by ABC News, the ratio of donors who prefer Rubio over Vance would be 80 to 20 in favor of Marco, a lead that reflects the increasing enthusiasm of the Republican financial establishment for the Cuban-American Secretary of State.
The rise of Rubio in the party's preferences is not new. For months, Rubio has been positioning himself as a viable option for 2028, and the candidate himself has left the door open by stating that "you never know" about a presidential candidacy.
Rubio's role in the foreign policy of the Trump administration has been pivotal in solidifying his image. His influence became evident with the capture of Maduro and Rubio's political imprint in that operation, as well as with his testimony before the Senate regarding Venezuela.
Donald Trump himself has fueled speculation with his public statements. On several occasions, he has , and more recently indicated that Rubio is doing an excellent job as Secretary of State.
The rivalry between Rubio and Vance to position themselves as Trump's political heir has generated analysis in international media. The Independent analyzes the Rubio-Vance rivalry for 2028 as one of the most significant internal battles within the Republican Party in the coming years. Meanwhile, polls among young voters indicate weaknesses in support for Vance within the MAGA base.
In prediction markets, the impact is already visible: Rubio becomes the favorite for 2028 according to political betting, surpassing Vance on multiple platforms following recent shifts in foreign policy.
Trump has also tried to maintain a balance between both candidates. In February, before Republican donors, Trump praised both Vance and Rubio, without openly favoring either. However, the question circulating in the party's inner circles — "Marco or JD?" that Trump poses to his advisors — suggests that the decision is far from being made.
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