Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted one of his strongest performances yet in The Western Journal’s weekly 2028 Republican presidential straw poll, gaining ground as early speculation about the next GOP nominee continues to build.
The poll, which is conducted through StrawPoll.US, is not a scientific survey and reflects the opinions of readers of the conservative news outlet. Even so, it offers a snapshot of how one segment of Republican voters views the developing field as the next presidential cycle slowly comes into focus.
This week, Rubio climbed to 50.3 percent support, a gain of 2.2 percentage points from the previous poll. The increase widened his lead over Vice President J.D. Vance, who remains widely viewed as the leading contender for the Republican nomination despite slipping 1.1 percentage points to 24.4 percent.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is dominating the field in The Western Journal’s latest 2028 presidential straw poll! Let us know who you would support at https://t.co/Ki7pr0dk70
This week’s results:
-Marco Rubio rises 2.2%
-JD Vance slides 1.1%
-Thomas Massie comes in distant… pic.twitter.com/HbV3LcwqxL— The Western Journal (@WesternJournalX) July 28, 2026
Outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky held third place with 10.3 percent, down slightly from the prior week. President Donald Trump, despite the Constitution barring him from seeking another term, still received 5.9 percent support, narrowly edging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who finished at 5.7 percent.
The results arrive as questions continue to surround Trump's influence over the 2028 Republican primary. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has been considering what role he wants to play in the next presidential race and whether he will eventually throw his support behind one of his closest allies.
Rubio has publicly stated that he would not challenge Vance if the vice president seeks the Republican nomination. Vance is widely regarded as the party's de facto front-runner and continues to lead in multiple national polls, making Rubio's growing support in the straw poll an interesting development rather than a sign of an emerging rivalry.
Trump has repeatedly praised both men while drawing distinctions between their political styles.
As Vice President Vance navigates foreign policy fights that are dividing Republicans, could Secretary of State Marco Rubio find an opening in the 2028 presidential race? Common Ground Party founder @JohnMorganESQ argues Rubio’s low-drama approach and limited political baggage… pic.twitter.com/85Xvk91BCo
— The Hill (@thehill) July 28, 2026
Speaking recently about Rubio, Trump predicted that his secretary of state would ultimately be remembered as one of the greatest to ever hold the office.
"Marco is going to go down, I think, as the best secretary of state in history. That's my opinion. Now, I'm a little prejudiced because I like him," Trump said.
Earlier this year, Trump also complimented Vance, describing him as "a brilliant guy" while joking that the vice president could occasionally be "a little bit tough on occasion" before adding, "We gotta slow him down just a little bit."
Trump contrasted that approach with Rubio's style, saying the secretary of state accomplishes similar objectives differently.
"Marco does it with a velvet glove, but it's still a kill," Trump remarked.
Beyond public praise, both men have assembled influential networks that could prove valuable if the nomination contest eventually materializes.
I don't know how I can state this more clearly: JD Vance is going to be the Republican nominee in 2028, Marco Rubio will not run against him, and many of the same people who are wrong about Vance were also wrong about Trump. Everything else is just noise.
— Mike Sabo (@MESabo86) July 28, 2026
Vance enjoys the backing of Donald Trump Jr. and maintains close relationships with conservative media figures, including Tucker Carlson. Turning Point USA executive Erika Kirk has also indicated that the organization plans to support Vance in 2028. In his role as finance chair of the Republican National Committee, Vance has spent considerable time building relationships with major Republican donors, strengthening an important part of any future national campaign.
Rubio, meanwhile, has cultivated deep ties with Florida's Republican leadership and maintains strong support among influential Hispanic Republicans. Some Jewish donors have reportedly expressed reservations about Vance because of his friendship with Carlson, creating another area where Rubio could find support among key Republican fundraising circles.
Grassroots activists and conservative commentators remain divided over which figure represents the party's future.
Iowa conservative activist Kelley Koch expressed confidence in Vance's position, saying, "Print the signs. He's the heir apparent."
Podcast host Patrick Bet-David offered a different assessment, saying, "I just think Rubio is ready."