Vice President JD Vance has reiterated that he has not yet decided whether to run for president in 2028, though he expressed confidence that former President Donald Trump would endorse him if he entered the race.
In a Monday evening interview with Mark Halperin, Vance stated that he has not spoken to Trump about a potential campaign but believes the former president would support him. "I really have not made up my mind about what to do in 2028. I just haven't focused on it," Vance said. "Look, I think if I run, the president will endorse me."
Vance also cautioned that Trump has occasionally allowed primary races to unfold without early endorsements, noting that the former president’s backing has been decisive in past Republican contests. "You could absolutely see a scenario where the president says, ‘You know what? We need to let this race play out,’ and not like preemptively prejudge the results," he added.
Vance’s 2028 Ambitions and Trump’s Influence
Vance’s comments follow recent speculation about his potential presidential ambitions, with many political observers viewing him as a leading figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement if he were to launch a campaign. Trump has previously indicated that Vance would be a top contender for the movement’s heir apparent status. In August, Trump said at a signing ceremony, "He would be probably favored at this point."
Vance’s path to prominence in Republican politics has been closely tied to Trump’s endorsements. In 2022, Vance’s Senate campaign in Ohio saw a late surge after Trump’s endorsement, despite polling in third place behind Mike Gibbons and Josh Mandel. Vance ultimately won the primary and later the general election.
Family Considerations and Timing
Vance has also addressed personal factors influencing his decision, including his family’s recent expansion. In a CBS News town hall on October 18, he joked about his tendency to procrastinate on major life decisions, including a potential presidential run. "The way that I think about life, big life decisions—my wife will tell you this—is I’m a procrastinator. I hate thinking about it," Vance said.
He added that he plans to wait until after the November midterm elections before making any final decision, stating, "What will happen is… after all these fine people elect Mike Rogers [as] United States Senator for the state of Michigan, what’s going to happen is then I’ll have to think about it."
Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, has previously indicated that a 2028 campaign has not been a focus of their household discussions. The couple welcomed their fourth child in July.
Uncertainty and Future Steps
Vance’s remarks underscore the fluid nature of his political future, with no definitive timeline for a decision. Political analysts note that his potential candidacy could reshape the 2028 Republican primary, given his alignment with Trump’s base and his rising profile within the party. However, Vance has emphasized that any decision will depend on both personal and political considerations in the coming months.