2028 US Election: Full List of Republican Candidates Eyeing White House

As the 2028 presidential election nears, the Republican landscape is beginning to take shape, with several key figures emerging as potential contenders in a post-Trump era. While the field is expected to expand, early attention is centered on JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis, and Glenn Youngkin—each representing different paths forward for the GOP.

JD Vance: Trump’s Successor?

Ohio Senator JD Vance is widely seen as Donald Trump’s political heir. A close ally during Trump’s administration, Vance enters the 2028 race with strong conservative support and alignment with Trump’s America First agenda.

Marco Rubio: Making a Comeback

Currently serving as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is once again surfacing as a strong candidate. Once a vocal Trump critic, he is now viewed as a loyal party member. His 2016 presidential bid, where he placed third in Iowa, gives him valuable experience and name recognition.

Ted Cruz: A Familiar Challenger

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who won the Iowa caucuses and finished second to Trump in 2016, has remained an active figure in conservative politics. He continues to build his national network and signals he may seek another presidential run.

Governors Enter the Fray

Several sitting governors are also gaining traction as potential 2028 candidates:

Glenn Youngkin (Virginia): With his term ending due to Virginia’s one-term rule, Youngkin is a free agent. His 2021 gubernatorial win in a blue-leaning state positions him as a unifying candidate beyond Trump loyalists.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Arkansas):A former Trump press secretary turned governor, Sanders maintains strong support from the Trump base and is seen as a rising conservative force.

These early names mark the beginning of what could be a dynamic and competitive GOP primary season, with each candidate vying to shape the future of the Republican Party in the post-Trump era.