Republicans are blessed to have one of the deepest benches for the next election that the party has had in quite some time, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is near the top of the list.
However, according to Breitbart, though the idea of Rubio running in 2028 is a somewhat popular one among Republican circles, it appears that Rubio will opt out of running if Vice President J.D. Vance decides to punch the GOP ticket.
Politico first broke the news, indicating that Rubio has been "privately" telling his circle that he will not go up against Vance if Vance decides to run.
Rubio has already hinted in public that he isn't interested in running if Vance runs. The two have a solid relationship and Rubio remains in the good graces of the MAGA movement.
Unnamed sources told Politico that Rubio will not mount a challenge for the Republican nomination, though some pointed out that potential candidates often say that regardless.
Breitbart noted:
“Marco has been very clear that JD is going to be the Republican nominee if he wants to be,” one source told Politico. “He will do anything he can just to support the vice president in that effort.”
Not only would it be awkward for Rubio to resign from President Donald Trump's Cabinet to run against Vance, it was noted that the two are also good friends.
“No one expects Marco to resign from the Cabinet and start taking potshots at the sitting vice president,” per a second source, Politico wrote. “Beyond that, they’re friends."
Perhaps the best of both worlds, according to a third source's confirmation, is that Rubio could run as Vance's vice president in 2028 if the two decide that would be best for the party.
Even if Rubio skips out and lets Vance have two terms in the White House, Rubio could still be fairly young -- at least for a president -- at 65 to run in 2036.
President Trump has already essentially offered both men his endorsement for 2028 and beyond, as both are in his good graces.
Breitbart noted:
Best of all, choosing between Vance and Rubio is what’s known as a luxury problem. These are two appealing, very skilled politicians who can be trusted to keep the GOP on the MAGA tracks.
Most believe that Vance will make the 2028 run, as it makes the most sense, especially given his popularity within the MAGA movement.
Either way, Republicans are seemingly set up for success.
