Who will run in 2028? Seven potential Republican candidates

Trump has staged a historic comeback in his third presidential election, overcoming numerous lawsuits to become the first president to serve two non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland won again in 1892.

But after being elected as the 47th and 45th president, he cannot run again.

So who will step up to replace him, to fill the metaphorically giant shoes of a man who single-handedly transformed his own party?

While much can change in the next four years, below is a list of possible 2028 Republican presidential nominees based on the 2024 Republican primaries and other factors.

Nikki Haley

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has been a harsh critic of Trump during the Republican primary, but she is now back in his favor – and so is the MAGA wing of the Republican Party.

The 52-year-old politician has certainly made a name for himself to Republican voters this election cycle as a strong advocate for national security, well-versed in foreign policy, and as a candidate who can appeal to moderates and women — a segment of the electorate that struggled to get on board with Trump’s policies and ideas.

Ron DeSantis

Despite a disastrous Republican primary, the 46-year-old Florida governor’s popularity has remained unscathed in his home state, where a majority of residents still trust his leadership and the direction he is giving the Sunshine State.

A recent USA Today/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV telephone poll of 500 likely voters in the state, conducted in early August, found that DeSantis enjoyed a 52 percent approval rating in Florida, with strong support especially from male voters (57 percentage).

Known for his conservative politics and his involvement in the culture wars, which include attacks on LGBTQ+ and abortion rights in Florida and his fight against what he calls “woke culture,” DeSantis is likely to have the support of MAGA voters once Trump is out of the picture. It is possible that Elon Musk, who endorsed him in the 2024 Republican primary, would endorse him again.

Brian Kemp

The 61-year-old Georgia governor has had a tough time dealing with Trump over the past few years, but their relationship has somehow been mended this summer as the two sought an alliance that would boost the GOP’s chances of win the battleground. November 5. Now the plan appears to have paid off: Trump won Georgia with 51 percent of the vote to Harris’ 49 percent.

As a more moderate figure in the Republican Party, Kemp could attract the portion of right-wing voters who have distanced themselves from the party because of Trump’s policies. Thanks to his policies that have boosted the state’s economy, Kemp is also extremely popular in Georgia — something that could certainly help in another potentially close election.

JD Vance

As Trump’s vice president and now his vice president, Vance is likely to be viewed as Trump’s natural heir.

The 40-year-old Ohio senator has embraced many of Trump’s values ​​and policies over the past few years, to the point of being something of a mini-Trump, and would likely do well within the same electorate that has supported his boss return to the White House. As a relatively young politician, he could also attract more youthful Republicans.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The 42-year-old Arkansas governor, who on Wednesday celebrated Trump’s victory as a “landslide” and declared America to be “Trump country”, is also seen as harboring the president’s ambitions.

As Trump’s former press secretary, she is well-known within the MAGA movement, and her unwavering loyalty to the president-elect may be rewarded by Trump voters in 2028 if she runs for the White House.

Greg Abbott

The 66-year-old Texas governor would be a strong contender in the 2028 Republican primary, being a recognizable figure in the party and a largely beloved politician in his home state. As of October, Abbott had a 51 percent approval rating, according to The Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

His track record with tough policies to curb illegal immigration in Texas could help raise his profile even more in the 2028 Republican primary if he chooses to run.

Lara Trump

The 42-year-old cochair of the Republican National Committee and wife of Trump’s son Eric would be a wild card in 2028 but has previously been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate.

As a member of the Trump family, she would bring the legacy factor to her candidacy that others would not be able to — but would also raise concerns about the start of a very Trump dynasty at the helm in America.