Staff Reports
The second presidency of Donald J. Trump is off to a thrilling start, and the Republican establishment is clearly laying the groundwork for 2028. While Trump himself is playing it coy about who should take his crown next, the recent CPAC straw poll has painted a vivid picture: it seems everyone has their eyes on Vice President JD Vance as the presumptive GOP nominee.
At the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference, held in Oxon Hill, Maryland, the conservative faithful made their voices heard. Vance emerged not just with a win but with a triumphant landslide, scoring an impressive 61% of the votes cast by the 1,022 attendees. This isn’t just a small sign of support; it’s a clarion call for his leadership within the party. It seems the grassroots have spoken loud and clear: they want someone who embodies the spirit of MAGA, and JD Vance fits the bill perfectly.
Vance is electric and will win in a landslide in four years. He delivered the most courageous speech imaginable by quoting Saint John Paul II. pic.twitter.com/APgfUWCrVG
— Jeremy Wayne Tate (@JeremyTate41) February 15, 2025
The runner-up, Steve Bannon, managed to snag 12% of the vote, which some may find surprising. It seems that while Bannon has his loyalists, they might not be enough to rally the party behind him. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis picked up a paltry 7%, showing that the enthusiasm for his brand of conservatism might be waning among the staunch Trump supporters. Other names like Marco Rubio and Elise Stefanik barely registered on the radar, while Donald Trump Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy just made the cut with a measly 2%. The message is clear: if you want to fly the Republican flag in 2028, Vance’s your guy.
The man behind the curtain at CPAC, Jim McLaughlin from McLaughlin & Associates Polls, ensured the crowd knew that Vance’s alignment with Trump is a significant factor in his popularity. Vance is seen as the heir to Trump’s throne, and the crowd’s enthusiasm only solidified that perception. McLaughlin reminded everyone that this straw poll isn’t just for amusement; there’s a history of accuracy tied to these results. It isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a forecast aligning with what the party faithful truly want.
Despite the CPAC excitement favoring Vance, Trump himself has been a bit non-committal in officially endorsing his vice president as the natural successor. During a recent chat with Fox News, he may have deflected a bit, stating that he believes Vance is “very capable” but inexplicably did not outright declare him as the heir. This dance leaves plenty of room for speculation, but the results from the convention clearly indicate a strong support for Vance, resonating with Trump’s core supporters.
Adventure awaits as one thing becomes certain: the Republican Party is positioning itself for a Vance-led future. His victory at CPAC is more than just numbers; it’s a signal that the GOP base recognizes and supports someone who stands firmly on the principles that made America great. As the curtains lift on this new political theater, the spotlight is squarely on JD Vance, and he doesn’t appear to be leaving the stage anytime soon.
