NewsNation political contributor Chris Cillizza said during a recent livestream that Democrats risk underestimating Vice President JD Vance as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Cillizza pointed to polling data and growing grassroots enthusiasm as evidence that Vance has become one of the Republican Party’s strongest emerging figures. According to an Emerson College poll, Vance posted a 46 percent favorability rating, outperforming several prominent Republicans and Democrats who are also viewed as possible 2028 candidates. Cillizza argued that many Democrats fail to recognize Vance’s political appeal and warned that dismissing him could become a serious strategic mistake.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten echoed similar observations, noting that Vance currently dominates early Republican primary polling with about 40 percent support. Enten also emphasized that since 1980, early favorites in presidential primaries have gone on to secure their party’s nomination roughly 63 percent of the time, giving Vance an important historical advantage. As the sitting vice president, Vance also benefits from the visibility and institutional support traditionally associated with the office.
Support for Vance has been especially strong among grassroots conservatives. At Turning Point USA AmericaFest in Phoenix, a straw poll showed Vance receiving more than 84 percent support among attendees, significantly ahead of other Republican figures. Marco Rubio finished a distant second, while Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr. trailed further behind. Organizers noted that Vance’s margin exceeded the level of support President Donald Trump received in a similar AmericaFest poll before the 2024 election cycle.
During the event, Vance delivered the conference’s closing speech and criticized Democrats while mentioning possible future rivals such as Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris. Although Vance has repeatedly stated that his immediate focus remains on helping Republicans win the midterm elections, speculation about a 2028 campaign continues to grow.
Adding to the momentum, Erika Kirk publicly endorsed Vance during AmericaFest, calling for activists to help elect him president in 2028. Her remarks received enthusiastic applause and highlighted the growing alignment between Vance and influential conservative grassroots organizations like Turning Point USA, which has become a major force in youth conservative activism and MAGA politics nationwide.
