Vance dominates as leading GOP contender for 2028

Vice President Vance is storming ahead as the undeniable favorite for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, according to a fresh poll that’s got everyone talking, as The Hill reports.

A recent Emerson College Polling survey shows Vance commanding a whopping 46% support among Republican primary voters, leaving other hopefuls like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trailing far behind.

Back in November, an earlier Emerson poll had Vance leading with a solid 30%, while DeSantis lagged at just 5% and half the respondents couldn’t even make up their minds. Fast forward to the latest survey, conducted between June 24 and 25 among 1,000 registered voters—including 416 Republican primary voters — and Vance has clearly tightened his grip. The undecided crowd has shrunk to 17%, with a mere 4% looking for someone off the list.

Vance’s massive lead stuns competitors

Let’s break down the numbers: Rubio managed to scrape together 12% support, while DeSantis sits at a humbling 9%. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, barely registers with 5%, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are stuck at 2% each. Six other names couldn’t even crack 1%, which, let’s be honest, is less a campaign and more a cameo.

Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball didn’t mince words, stating, “Vance has ‘solidified’ himself as the frontrunner.” Well, Spencer, when you’ve got nearly half the room cheering for one guy, that’s not just a lead — it’s a landslide waiting to happen.

Even President Donald Trump, who’s been cautious about anointing anyone too soon, couldn’t help but praise Vance last month on NBC’s Meet the Press, calling him “a fantastic, brilliant guy.” That’s high praise from a man who doesn’t toss compliments lightly, and it’s got to sting for the rest of the pack.

Trump’s endorsements keep options open

Trump also tipped his hat to Rubio in the same interview, noting, “Marco is great.” He added that plenty of others in the mix are impressive too, but let’s read between the lines—when Vance is pulling 46% and Rubio’s at 12%, “great” starts to feel like a polite pat on the back.

Earlier this year, in a February chat with Fox News, Trump played it coy, saying “it’s too early” to name a successor. He did, however, acknowledge that Vance and others are “very capable,” which is about as close to a wink and a nod as you’ll get at this stage.

Now, let’s talk demographics, because Vance isn’t just winning—he’s dominating specific groups. Among male Republican voters and those over 60, he’s clocking in at an impressive 52% support, per the latest poll. That’s the kind of loyalty that turns a front runner into a juggernaut.

Numbers paint clear picture

With a margin of error of 4.8 points among Republican respondents, these figures aren’t just a snapshot — they’re a billboard. Vance has built a coalition that’s broad and deep, while others are still scrambling for scraps. Turns out, building momentum early pays dividends.

Compare that to November’s poll, where 50% of respondents were undecided, and you can see the tide turning. Voters are starting to pick their champion, and right now, Vance is wearing the crown. If this keeps up, the 2028 primary might be less a contest and more a coronation.

But let’s not get too far ahead — 17% still haven’t made up their minds, and in politics, that’s a lifetime. Still, with only 4% looking for an unlisted name, the field seems pretty set, and Vance is the one setting the pace.

Can anyone catch him?

For Rubio, DeSantis, and the rest, these numbers are a wake-up call louder than a foghorn. When you’re hovering in the single digits or low teens, it’s time to rethink the game plan — or at least start praying for a miracle. Actions have consequences, and right now, Vance is reaping the rewards of whatever he’s been doing right.

Conservative voters, tired of the progressive agenda pushing against traditional values, seem to see Vance as a steady hand to steer the ship. He’s not just a name on a poll; he’s a symbol of resistance to the cultural overreach many on the right feel has gone too far. Yet, credit where it’s due — Rubio and others bring talent to the table, even if the numbers don’t show it yet.

So, what’s next for the GOP field? Vance has the lead, the momentum, and even a nod from Trump, but politics is a fickle beast. For now, though, he’s the man to beat, and the rest better start running faster if they want a shot at catching up.