Rubio Crushes Vance in 2028 Presidential Polling Matchups
Secretary of State Marco Rubio outperforms Vice President JD Vance in early 2028 presidential polling, leading Democrats by wider margins according to an Emerson College survey.
As Victor Nava reports in New York Post, the Emerson College National Poll reveals Rubio leading both former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by identical 48% to 43% margins when voters were asked about potential 2028 presidential contests.
Vance’s performance against the same Democratic figures proves less robust. While the vice president edges out the Squad member 46% to 44%, he trails the failed 2024 Democratic nominee by 4 percentage points in the hypothetical matchup.
California Governor Leads Both Republicans
When matched against California Governor Gavin Newsom, both Trump administration officials fall short, though Rubio again demonstrates stronger support than Vance. The term-limited Golden State governor secures 49% backing against Vance and 48% against Rubio, while the vice president garners 44% support compared to the secretary of state’s 46%.
Buttigieg and Ossoff Show Democratic Strength
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Senator Jon Ossoff emerge as the strongest Democratic performers against the two leading Republican prospects. Buttigieg maintains a consistent 49% to 44% advantage over both Rubio and Vance.
Ossoff, who recently generated controversy by insinuating a romantic connection between President Trump and White House aide Natalie Harp, holds a 3-point lead over Rubio at 47% to 44% and a 5-point margin against Vance at 49% to 44%.
The Emerson College survey polled 1,000 registered voters between August 16 and 17, carrying a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
Trump’s 2028 Stance Remains Ambiguous
President Trump has previously characterized Vance and Rubio as a potential “dream team” ticket for 2028, though he has not specified which administration official should lead the presidential bid. Earlier reports suggested Trump privately encouraged donors to support Vance’s election in 2028, though the president later dismissed such accounts as premature, telling reporters he considers it far too early to make endorsements while praising Vance as outstanding.
With information from New York Post
