US Vice President Vance Weighs 2028 Presidential Run After GOP Midterm Losses

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is reconsidering a potential presidential bid in 2028 following the Republican Party's significant losses in last week's midterm elections. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Vance informed associates both before and after the elections that he has not yet made a decision. On election day, while at the White House with President Donald Trump, Vance was advised by a confidant to consider withdrawing from the upcoming race.

The Democrats gained seven Senate seats previously held by Republicans, including the seat Vance formerly represented in Ohio. They also secured victories in the gubernatorial races in Georgia and Texas, states considered Republican strongholds. Some of Vance's allies have expressed doubts about any Republican candidate's ability to win the presidency in two years, given the recent outcomes. Within 24 hours of the elections, Republican donors indicated to a veteran New York fundraiser that they would struggle to support Vance in 2028, fearing that a candidate from the current administration would find it difficult to distance themselves from Trump and his policies after the defeat.

Among the names raised by donors was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously competed against Trump in the 2024 primaries. Vance's associates noted that the Vice President is factoring in the possibility of a DeSantis candidacy. Vance has also attempted to influence Trump's approach to Iran, publishing an article on social media post-election attributing the party's losses to the conflict with Iran and calling for Republicans to reassess their stance on Israel. He argued that while Trump's core supporters turned out, they did not vote Republican this time. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington Republicans viewed Vance's article as an initial step to differentiate himself from Trump's policies. The report also indicated that as early as January, when Trump was contemplating a significant military operation in Iran, Vance urged him in private conversations to continue diplomatic efforts.

Concurrently, Vance commissioned Rasmussen to include questions about a potential war in a poll. The results obtained by the newspaper showed the public nearly evenly divided on initiating a war, with 44% in favor and 43% opposed, while 65% believed Trump should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action. Trump acknowledged that the war contributed to his party's losses but stated he would make the same decision again. Two Vance associates suggested that voters reacted to the war and that the Trump voter coalition could be rebuilt once the conflict concludes.

Despite suggestions from associates to consider running again for his former Senate seat or for Ohio governor, Vance has rejected these proposals. He currently leads in polls against potential Republican rivals and holds a key fundraising role within the Republican National Committee, maintaining direct contact with donors. Trump has not yet endorsed a successor, responding to questions about Vance's potential candidacy by saying, "Maybe he won't run. I don't know who will run."