Ahead of JD Vance's headline speech at the Republican convention in Dallas, several attendees told reporters they would actually prefer Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the party's 2028 presidential nominee, despite Rubio's repeated insistence that he has no plans to run. The episode highlights lingering uncertainty within the MAGA movement over who should eventually succeed Donald Trump, with Vance positioned as the heir apparent but facing quiet competition for grassroots affection even as he tries to consolidate his standing.

Rubio, who was in Ecuador during the convention, has told associates privately that he does not intend to seek the nomination but is reportedly "keeping his options open," while publicly telling Colombian broadcaster RCN he has "no plans at this time" and is focused on his current roles. A Financial Times/Focaldata poll last week put Vance well ahead among Republicans for 2028 backing, at 43% to Rubio's 21%, suggesting the enthusiasm voiced by some convention-goers outstrips his actual support. Not all attendees wanted Rubio present, however, with former Georgia congressman Vernon Jones arguing he was rightly focused on diplomatic duties instead. Other speakers at the event included Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, while Trump praised Vance's work on fraud during his own convention address.