Vice President Vance delivered a rousing closing keynote at the Republican National Committee's Dallas convention Thursday night, igniting speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions. The address, punctuated by chants of “48” from the crowd, gave Vance a platform to solidify his standing with the party's grassroots ahead of a possible White House bid.
Vance, widely viewed as the heir to the MAGA movement, deflected questions about his future, telling the audience, “We got to take care of business this November. Then we’ll worry about what comes next.” But attendees were less reticent, with many expressing enthusiasm for a Vance-led ticket in 2028. “Team Vance right here,” said Kim Simmons, a Texas attendee, while Martha McCullough declared, “All about Vance.”
The convention also highlighted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was abroad but remains a top contender. Several delegates floated a “Vance-Rubio” ticket, including Debra Shaver and Rosie Swanson, who said the names in unison. “If it’s one or the other, I don’t care which way that ticket goes, as long as they’re both on the ticket,” said Nola Nemeth-Odens, another Texas attendee.
Polling suggests Vance leads the 2028 GOP primary field, with an average by Race to the WH showing him at 40 percent, followed by Rubio at 22 percent. Vance also won a straw poll at CPAC earlier this year. However, an Emerson College/The Hill survey found Rubio outperforming Vance in head-to-head matchups against potential Democratic rivals, except against Pete Buttigieg, who led both by 5 points.
In his speech, Vance drew sharp contrasts with Democrats, citing the Trump administration's achievements over the past 18 months. “I’m not asking you to agree with every policy of our administration. I’m asking you to recognize the contrast with the radicals,” he said. He also invoked the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, urging voters not to “throw the baby out with the bathwater” over policy disagreements.
The convention's focus on Texas was unmistakable, with state leaders and candidates taking the stage. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Reps. Monica De La Cruz and Brandon Gill addressed the crowd, alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who received a mixed endorsement from President Trump. Trump praised Paxton as “the greatest” attorney general but repeated digs at his appearance and communication style, saying, “I don’t know if he’s gonna ever speak to me again, but you know, I don’t care as long as he wins.”
Sen. Ted Cruz also spoke, painting the Democratic Party as an existential threat and attacking Democrat James Talarico, who is polling ahead of Paxton in the Senate race. Other potential 2028 contenders, including Donald Trump Jr., filled out the speaker list, underscoring the party's depth.
As the midterms approach, Vance's appearance at the Dallas convention—his headline slot alongside Trump—served as a preview of a possible 2028 campaign, even as he urged the base to stay focused on November. The RNC's midterm closer showcased a party rallying behind its current leadership while eyeing the next presidential cycle.
