Two senior Republican senators have declined to back Vice President JD Vance as a possible Republican nominee for the 2028 presidential election.
In separate interviews on Sunday, Senators Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham avoided endorsing Vance as a future party leader.
Rand Paul Questions Vance’s Economic Views
Speaking to ABC News, Paul said the Republican Party needs leaders who support international trade, free market capitalism, and low taxes.
When asked if he believed Vance matched those values, Paul answered simply, “No.”
Lindsey Graham Avoids the Question
Graham took a different approach during an interview on NBC News. Asked whether he would join Erika Kirk in endorsing Vance, he declined to answer directly.
“I’m worried about tomorrow, but that’s a big day for JD,” Graham said. He then shifted the conversation to praise President Donald Trump’s actions toward Venezuela.
Other Republicans Offer Strong Support
The hesitation from Paul and Graham contrasts with recent endorsements for Vance from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Rubio’s endorsement came after reports of behind-the-scenes competition between him and Vance for influence within Republican circles. Rubio has since told associates that he sees Vance as the leading contender for the 2028 nomination and would support him if he runs.
Trump Looms Over the 2028 Race
These developments come as President Donald Trump has refused to rule out a third run for the White House, despite constitutional limits.
“I would love to do it,” Trump told reporters earlier this month. “I have my best numbers ever.”
Recent polls place Trump’s approval rating at 36 percent. This is slightly above his record low of 34 percent, which followed the January 6 riots.
Allies Signal Long-Term Plans
While Trump has been vague about his intentions, some of his allies have been more direct. Former strategist Steve Bannon told The Economist that Trump would return to office in 2028.
“At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is,” Bannon said.
