A decade ago, Jessica Luebbers would have never thought she’d support Marco Rubio for president. His fierce battle against Donald Trump in 2016 left her feeling frustrated. Yet, at a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, she found herself hoping for a Rubio candidacy in 2028.
“I was skeptical when Trump appointed Rubio for secretary of state, but I’ve changed my mind,” Luebbers shared. “He’s handling a lot and doing it well.”
Her changing views reflect a broader shift among conservatives. A recent straw poll at CPAC showed 35% of attendees favoring Rubio for the next presidential nomination, a significant increase from last year’s results. This is impressive, especially considering he was barely recognized in previous polls.
Rubio only trails Vice President JD Vance, who secured 53% of the votes. While Vance has maintained his popularity, it was less than last year’s 61%. It’s important to note, however, that these straw polls aren’t scientific; they only reflect the opinions of those attending the conference and don’t represent the wider Republican base.
This growing support for Rubio may stem from his active role in addressing high-stakes diplomatic issues, such as negotiations involving Iran and Venezuela. On the flip side, Vance, who has often taken a behind-the-scenes approach, faces scrutiny over his stance on military conflicts, especially recent actions in Iran that have left many in the Trump camp questioning his position.
Younger conservatives appear to lean towards Rubio, despite recognizing his historically hawkish views. Luke Rosati, a student, mentioned, “I may disagree with him on the Iran war, but we can align on other issues.”
At CPAC, Trump’s absence was notable. For the first time in ten years, he didn’t attend, leading to speculation about his preferred successor. He hasn’t openly endorsed anyone yet, but his endorsement will likely play a crucial role in shaping the 2028 race.
Henry Tian, a Texas attendee, emphasized, “Trump’s endorsement will be significant; it’s about continuing his legacy.”
Despite speculation around Trump’s possible return, the Constitution bars him from running again. Still, some supporters hold hope. Frank Robles from California wore a Trump hat and said, “We can’t stop the momentum.”
While Rubio expressed support for a potential Vance vice presidency, other key figures, like Senator Rand Paul and Governor Ron DeSantis, hinted at considering their own runs. Cruz, despite his home-state advantage, only registered 1% in the CPAC poll.
Ted Cruz articulated a vision merging Trump’s populism with core GOP values. He cautioned against being a “big government conservative,” warning that those ideas echo policies of figures like Bernie Sanders.
Meanwhile, many attendees are already envisioning a Rubio-Vance ticket in 2028. Maxine Cunnyngham, a supporter from Oklahoma, said, “They’re in the right positions now to learn and lead.”
Overall, the discussions at CPAC highlighted a subtle shift in GOP dynamics. The future of the party looks poised for change, with new leaders potentially stepping into the spotlight as they learn from their experiences.
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