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Grapevine Today
By the People, for the People
Vance Takes Lead in CPAC Straw Poll
Rubio gains momentum as potential 2028 Republican nominee
Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:55pm
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The CPAC straw poll results suggest a shifting landscape in the Republican party as new voices emerge to potentially succeed President Trump.Grapevine TodayMore than half of the attendees at the 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, want to see Vice President JD Vance as the 2028 Republican presidential nominee, according to a straw poll. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who took second place, gained considerable ground from his standing in last year's CPAC straw poll.
Why it matters
The CPAC straw poll is seen as an important indicator of grassroots Republican sentiment and can influence the party's nomination process. Vance's strong showing suggests he has significant support among the conservative base, while Rubio's rise indicates he is gaining traction as a potential successor to President Donald Trump.
The details
The straw poll at CPAC in Grapevine, Texas, found that 53% of the more than 1,600 attendees who participated prefer Vance as the 2028 Republican nominee. Rubio, who took second place, saw his support increase from 3% in last year's poll to 35% this year. No other potential candidate, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Ted Cruz, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Donald Trump Jr., received more than 2% of the vote.
- The 2026 CPAC straw poll was conducted on March 29, 2026.
- Vance won last year's CPAC straw poll with 61% of the vote.
The players
JD Vance
The current Vice President of the United States and a potential 2028 Republican presidential nominee.
Marco Rubio
The current Secretary of State and a potential 2028 Republican presidential nominee.
Matt Schlapp
The Chairman of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
What they’re saying
“For anybody who wants to succeed President Trump, they're going to have to work for it, and they're going to have to earn it. That's how President Trump was elected as an outsider. He showed up on every stage, and he made everyone else look implausible.”
— Matt Schlapp, CPAC Chairman
“If JD Vance runs for president, he's going to be our nominee, and I'll be one of the first people to support him.”
— Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
What’s next
The results of the CPAC straw poll will likely influence the 2028 Republican primary race, as the party's base voters look to identify a successor to President Trump.
The takeaway
The CPAC straw poll results suggest that Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio are emerging as the leading contenders for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, with Vance currently holding a significant lead among the party's conservative base.
