Rubio Surges Ahead of Vance in Early 2028 GOP Presidential Poll
A new AtlasIntel survey conducted May 4ā7 among more than 2,000 respondents reveals a striking shift in the Republican race for the 2028 presidential nomination. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a clear lead with 45.4% support, overtaking Vice President JD Vance, who now stands at 29.6%. The results mark a dramatic reversal from AtlasIntelās December poll, in which Vance led Rubio 46.7% to 22.6%. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy trail far behind the top two.
Despite his rising standings, Rubio faces a divided electorate: 51% of respondents view him negatively compared to 46% positively. Vanceās image is weaker still, with 58% negative ratings. Still, Rubioās momentum reflects his elevated national profile and deep integration into the Trump administration.
Rubio holds the unprecedented dual role of Secretary of State and National Security Adviser ā the first person to do so since Henry Kissinger. Widely regarded as one of President Trumpās most trusted advisers, he has shaped key policies on Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. He has also played a prominent part in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rubio has publicly aligned with Trumpās expansive view of executive authority, arguing that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional. He has declared the active phase of conflict with Iran over, shifting focus to securing maritime trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has added fuel to speculation by describing a Rubio-Vance ticket as a potential ādream team,ā while stopping short of a formal endorsement. Rubio, for his part, continues to defer publicly to Vance as the party looks ahead.
With nearly two years until the first primaries, the race remains fluid. Rubioās surge demonstrates how high-visibility roles in a popular administration can rapidly reshape the field. Whether this lead holds will depend on the administrationās overall record, future foreign-policy outcomes, and how the leading contenders navigate the post-Trump GOP landscape.
