Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signaled he would step aside in a potential 2028 Republican presidential race if Vice President JD Vance enters the field, offering an early show of unity among senior figures in President Donald Trump’s administration.
In comments to author Chris Whipple for a Vanity Fair profile, Rubio was direct about his intentions. “If JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said.
Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely seen as leading contenders to succeed Trump, whose current term is limited under the Constitution, writes The New York Post. Trump, now 79, has repeatedly praised both men and has publicly floated the idea of them joining forces on a future ticket.
During an October trip to Asia, Trump underscored that view, saying: “We have JD obviously — the vice president is great. Marco’s great. I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they formed a group, it would be unstoppable.”
While Trump has occasionally joked about seeking another term, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Whipple the president has no plans to challenge the 22nd Amendment, “but he sure is having fun with it.”
Rubio’s remarks appeared in a broader profile centered on Wiles, a fellow Florida native. The former senator, who clashed with Trump during the 2016 primaries before later becoming a close ally, offered his comments during the reporting process.
The article also recounted a lighter exchange involving Vance. During a magazine photo shoot, he reportedly joked with a photographer: “I’ll give you $100 for every person you make look really shitty compared to me. And $1,000 if it’s Marco.”
Rubio’s early endorsement underscores how quickly alliances are forming as Republicans begin looking beyond Trump toward the party’s next presidential standard-bearer.
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