Top 10 Potential Republican Vice Presidential Picks for JD Vance in 2028

As the political landscape for the 2028 presidential election takes shape, one thing remains virtually undisputed: J.D. Vance will be the Republican nominee. The real intrigue, however, lies in the battle for the number two spot. While vice presidential selections are often considered strategic afterthoughts, this choice will carry significant weight. Whoever secures the position will gain national visibility, cement their status as a leading figure in the party, and potentially set themselves up as a future presidential contender. In addition, most Democrats know they will be running against Vance, so the only curveball the Vance team could throw them would be a solid Vice Presidential pick. Accurately predicting this selection is nearly as crucial as forecasting Vance’s nomination itself, as it could shape the trajectory of the Republican Party for years to come.

Ranking Criteria:

Each candidate is ranked based on two key factors:

1. Strength as a Running Mate (Policy, Electoral Value, Charisma, Experience, Fundraising, Debate Skills)
2. Likelihood of Selection by JD Vance (Ideological Alignment, Personal Relationship, Strategic Fit, Media Dynamics)

Each candidate is given two scores (out of 10), one for each category.

1. Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State, 2025–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 9/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 8/10

History:

Marco Rubio has been a central figure in Republican politics since his 2010 Senate victory in Florida. He ran for president in 2016, clashing with Donald Trump but later aligning with him. He served in the Senate until 2025 before being appointed Secretary of State under a Republican administration.

Strengths:

✅ Foreign Policy Experience—As Secretary of State, Rubio would bring extensive knowledge of international relations, which is valuable given Vance’s more domestically focused agenda.

✅ Hispanic Outreach – A Cuban-American from Florida, Rubio could improve Republican outreach to Latino voters, particularly in swing states like Nevada and Arizona.

✅ National Name Recognition & Fundraising—Rubio Has been in national politics for over a decade and is a strong fundraiser with an established donor network.

✅ Experienced Debater – Rubio has sharpened his debate skills over multiple campaigns, making him an effective attack dog against the Democratic ticket. Let's just hope the Democrats don't nominate Chris Christie for Vice President for Rubio's sake

Weaknesses:

❌ Establishment Ties—Rubio has a history of aligning with the GOP establishment, which could alienate Vance’s more populist-nationalist base.

❌ Florida Factor – Florida is already a safe Republican state, so he doesn’t bring much of an electoral advantage.

❌ Past Flip-Flops – Rubio’s shift on immigration and past critiques of Trump might make him seem inconsistent to the base.

2. Ron DeSantis (Governor of Florida, 2019–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 8/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 5/10

History:

Ron DeSantis rose to national prominence as Governor of Florida, where he became a conservative firebrand on issues like COVID-19 policies, education reform, and immigration. He was once seen as Trump’s natural successor but had a disastrous 2024 presidential campaign, struggling to connect with the base and losing momentum. In addition, he also ran afoul of Trump by deciding to challenge him for the nomination, something that it's not clear he's forgiven. Despite this, he remains one of the most effective Republican governors, having won re-election in a landslide in 2022.

Strengths:

✅ Executive Experience – A two-term governor of a central state, giving him strong leadership credentials.

✅ Policy Wins in Florida – Led major conservative victories on education, immigration, and corporate accountability.

✅ Young & Energetic – At 49 in 2028, he would add youth and vigor to the ticket.

✅ Appeals to Suburban Voters – His focus on parental rights and school issues resonates with moderates.

✅ Strong on Foreign Policy & National Security – A former JAG officer and veteran with a firm grasp of defense issues.

Weaknesses:

❌ Bad Blood with Trump Wing – His 2024 primary feud with Trump hurt his standing with the MAGA base. Although Vance's selection may bring him back into the fold,

❌ Awkward Campaigner – Struggled to connect with voters and came across as stiff in his failed presidential run.

❌ Questionable Political Instincts – Neither can read political headwinds nor sense what appeals to a nationwide audience. A good example is when DeSantis launched his campaign on Elon Musk's X, which was filled with tech issues and questions about crypto, instead of giving a widely publicized speech hitting on relevant national interest because he felt that was what America wanted.

❌ Florida Is Already Red—This doesn’t bring a swing-state advantage, as Florida is likely safe for the GOP.

❌ Would He Even Accept? – After being a presidential hopeful, he might not want to take the No. 2 spot.

3. Kristi Noem (U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, 2025–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 8/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 9/10

History:

Noem was a U.S. Representative before becoming Governor of South Dakota in 2019. Her COVID-19 policies gained her national attention. In 2025, she joined a Republican administration as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Strengths:

✅ Border Security & Immigration Focus – As Homeland Security Secretary, Noem has direct experience with immigration, a prominent GOP issue.

✅ Populist & Trump-Aligned – She has strong grassroots support and aligns ideologically with Vance’s nationalist policies.

✅ Strong Communicator – Noem is a polished speaker with an effective media presence.

✅ Female Candidate – A woman on the ticket could help counter Democratic attacks on gender issues.

Weaknesses:

❌ Limited National Policy Experience – she lacks foreign and economic policy credentials outside of DHS.

❌ South Dakota Factor – Offers no significant electoral advantage.

❌ Controversial Personal History – Her book and alleged affair with Corey Lewandowski could be used against her in the campaign.

❌ Bad Political Institute – Kristi Noem would bring a history of unforced errors and a horrible sense of messaging to the ticket. Perhaps the best example of this is when she decided to publicly admit to killing her dog in her autobiography to make herself appear tough.

4. Josh Hawley (Senator from Missouri, 2019–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 8/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 8/10

History:

Hawley gained national attention for his hardline conservative positions, particularly against Big Tech. However, he has aquired a reputation as a Trump loyalist and hardliner making him a polarizing figure. Perhaps his most polarizing moment came when he raised his fist salute to protesters on January 6, 2021.

Strengths:

✅ Populist Nationalist Alignment – He is ideologically aligned with Vance’s vision for the GOP.

✅ Constitutional & Legal Expertise – His background as Missouri’s Attorney General adds legal expertise.

✅ Fighter Against the Establishment – He has attacked corporate influence and Democratic policies.

✅ Midwest Appeal – He helps solidify the Rust Belt and Midwestern states regardless of whether his home state of Missouri will be competitive.

Weaknesses:

❌ Too Hardline? – His positions may alienate moderate voters.

❌ Limited Executive Experience – Has never governed a state or federal agency.

❌ Christian Nationalist – While many voters find the idea of having a faithful person as a leader, Hawley's outward embrace of Christian Nationalism has the potential to alienate all but the most ardent Christians.

❌ Vote Against Hate Crime Legislation—Josh Hawley was one of six Republicans to oppose the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would allow the U.S. Justice Department to review hate crimes related to COVID-19 and establish an online database following a wave of discrimination against Asian Americans related to COVID-19. Later, he was the only Senator to oppose the amended version. Nationally, this will hurt his appeal to minority voters and moderates.

❌ Controversial January 6 Ties – Could be a liability in a general election.

5. Elise Stefanik (Congresswoman from New York, 2015–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 7/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 7/10

History:

Stefanik started as a moderate Republican but moved closer to Trump’s camp in 2020. She became the GOP Conference Chair in the House and a key player in shaping Republican messaging.

Strengths:

✅ Swing-State Appeal – Could help in the Northeast.

✅ Trump-Aligned Yet Establishment-Friendly – Has connections across the GOP spectrum.

✅ Female Candidate – Counters Democratic gender-based attacks and appeals to female voters.

✅ Campus Antisemitism – Stefanik's questioning of university presidents on antisemitism led to her receiving widespread praise from conservative outlets as a fighter against a biased educational system and positioned her as an anti-racist. Conversely, people who are put off by her stance on Israel are likely not Republican voters anyway, causing her not to lose any support for this.

Weaknesses:

❌ No Executive Experience – Has never run a state or federal agency.

❌ Only a Representative – Despite carving a name for herself, she has never held a statewide or national office. Although to be fair to her, she is from solidly blue New York.

❌ New Yorker - For many Trump voters, it's bad enough to be from New York, let alone NYC, and Stefink is both of those. Granted, she may benefit from them, like many New Yorkers, unaware of Staten Island.

❌ Seen as Opportunistic – Her political shift makes her seem calculated.

❌ Limited Name Recognition – Lacks a strong national profile.

6. Byron Donalds (Congressman from Florida, 2021–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 8/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 6/10

History:

Byron Donalds has been a rising star in the GOP, known for his strong conservative stances and effective communication. A former state legislator, he won a congressional seat in 2020 and has since become a key voice in the Republican Party.

Strengths:

✅ Charismatic & Strong Debater – Donald is one of the GOP’s most compelling speakers, making him a strong attack dog.

✅ African American Outreach – His presence on the ticket could help the GOP’s effort to gain support among Black voters.

✅ Populist-Aligned – He shares many of Vance’s views on economic nationalism and anti-establishment conservatism.

✅ Young & Dynamic – At 49 in 2028, he represents a new generation of GOP leadership.

Weaknesses:

❌ Limited Experience – He has only been in Congress for a few years and has never held an executive role.

❌Only a Representative - Like Stefink, Donalds hasn't held statewide office, but unlike Stefink, he is not from a solidly blue state.

❌ Florida Factor – Like Rubio and DeSantis, he doesn’t bring much electoral advantage since Florida is already a GOP stronghold.

❌ Unproven on Foreign Policy – While strong on domestic issues, he lacks significant foreign policy experience.

7. Tom Cotton (Senator from Arkansas, 2015–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 7/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 7/10

History:

A Harvard-educated military veteran, Tom Cotton rose quickly in GOP ranks after winning his Senate seat 2014. Known for his hawkish foreign policy stance and tough-on-China rhetoric, he has been a significant figure in Republican national security debates.

Strengths:

✅ Military & National Security Expertise – As a veteran and Senate Armed Services Committee member, Cotton strengthens Vance’s defense and foreign policy ticket.

✅ Hardline on China – Cotton has been one of the most vocal critics of China, aligning with Vance’s nationalist policies.

✅ Solid Conservative Credentials – He is well-respected among both the populist and traditional conservative wings of the party.

✅ Red State Strength—This helps lock in Southern conservative voters, who are already likely to support Vance. Vance may need this to fend of a democratic challanger in states like Geogria and North Carolina depending on who the Democratic challanger is. 

Weaknesses:

❌ Too Hawkish for Vance? – Vance has emphasized a more restrained foreign policy, while Cotton supports military interventionism.

❌ Hardliner - Cotton is a true conservative for better or for worse.

❌ Lack of Personal Charisma – Cotton is seen as a profound but not particularly inspiring speaker.

❌ Untested – Cotton has only managed to win elections in red Arkansas. One of his two Senate elections didn't even feature a democratic challenge. All in all, it remains unclear how Cotton would do in a competitive election against a Democratic candidate.

❌ Minimal Electoral Advantage – Arkansas is already a deep-red state, so he doesn’t bring regional appeal.

8. Ted Cruz (Senator from Texas, 2013–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 7/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 6/10

History:

Ted Cruz rose to national prominence during the Tea Party wave and became a leading conservative firebrand in the Senate. Before that, he had made a name for himself as a lawyer, even arguing cases before the Supreme Court. He ran for president in 2016, finishing second to Donald Trump, and later became a key Trump ally despite their past rivalry. Cruz remains one of the most influential figures in the GOP, known for his constitutional conservatism, legal expertise, and strong debating skills.

Strengths:

✅ Debate & Rhetorical Skills – Cruz is one of the best debaters in the Republican Party, making him a formidable attack dog against Democrats.

✅ Texas Factor—While Texas is already red, maintaining high GOP enthusiasm in the state is still crucial.

✅ Legal & Constitutional Expertise – His background as a constitutional lawyer could appeal to conservatives who prioritize judicial issues.

✅ Appeals to Evangelicals & Conservatives – Cruz has deep support among religious conservatives, which could help Vance consolidate the base.

✅ Experienced & Battle-Tested—He has been in the Senate since 2013 and has years of national political experience something Vance desperately needs being a relative political newcomer himself.

Weaknesses:

❌ Polarizing Figure – Cruz is intensely disliked by many moderates and independents, which could hurt the ticket.

❌ Not an Outsider – Vance might prefer someone less entrenched in Washington politics to maintain his anti-establishment brand.

❌ Past Feud with Trump—While Cruz later aligned with Trump, their 2016 rivalry was bitter, and some Trump supporters may still hold grudges. Additionally, although Trump and Cruz have publicly reconciled, it is unclear as to their personal relationship.

❌ Awkward Public Image – Cruz has long struggled with likability issues, often appearing robotic or overly calculated. Some even claim he looks like a blowfish.

9. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Governor of Arkansas, 2023–Present)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 6/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 7/10

History:

The daughter of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Sarah Sanders rose to prominence as Trump’s White House Press Secretary. She won the Arkansas governorship in 2022 and has become a key voice in conservative politics.

Strengths:

✅ National Name Recognition – Her tenure as Press Secretary made her a household name among Republicans.

✅ Mike Huckebee's daughter—If there is one man who encapsulated the Christian right of the 2000s, it was Mike Huckebee, and Sarah Huckebee's status as his daughter would certainly energize this wing of the base.

✅ Executive Experience – As a governor, she has experience in managing policy and governance.

✅ Trump & Populist Alignment – She is seen as a staunch Trump ally, ensuring support from the MAGA base.

✅ Female Candidate – Could help with suburban female voters.

Weaknesses:

❌ Limited Legislative Experience – Has never served in Congress, meaning less familiarity with national policymaking.

❌ Red State Factor – Arkansas is already a safe Republican state, offering little electoral boost.

❌ Combative Style – While effective in GOP circles, her aggressive media presence could polarize a general election.

10. Mike Pompeo (Former Secretary of State, Former CIA Director)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 6/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 5/10

History:

A former congressman from Kansas, Pompeo served as Trump’s CIA Director and later Secretary of State. He has been a vocal critic of China and a key figure in shaping Trump-era foreign policy.

Strengths:

✅ Extensive Foreign Policy Experience—As a former Secretary of State and CIA Director, he provides unmatched national security credentials.

✅ Strong Conservative & Evangelical Appeal – His ties to the religious right could help mobilize evangelical voters.

✅ Tough on China & Global Threats – His hardline stance on China and Iran aligns with GOP priorities.

Weaknesses:

❌ Not a Natural Campaigner – Pompeo is known for being competent but lacks charisma.

❌ Never Elected – Pompeo is the only candidate in this list to have never won elected office.

❌ Establishment Ties—This category may be viewed as too tied to past administrations rather than the GOP's populist shift.

❌ Kansas Factor – Adds little in terms of electoral advantage.

Honorable Mention: Donald Trump (Former President, 2017–2021, President 2025-2029)

• Strength as VP Candidate: 10/10
• Likelihood of Selection: 1/10

History:

Trump transformed the Republican Party and remains its most dominant figure. His legal battles and continued influence make him a unique force in GOP politics. There also remains the pending legal question of whether someone who has previously served two terms can serve as vice president. Regardless, several prominent Republicans have floated the idea of him running again, this time for vice president.

Strengths:

✅ Unmatched GOP Influence – No one can energize the base like Trump.

✅ Fundraising & Media Power – Could ensure record campaign donations and media coverage.

Weaknesses:

❌ Legal & Constitutional Issues – The 12th Amendment complicates a Vance-Trump ticket.

❌ Overshadowing the Ticket – Trump would dominate, making Vance a secondary figure.

Conclusion

As we consider potential vice-presidential picks for J.D. Vance’s 2028 campaign, the implications for the Republican Party and the broader political landscape are profound. Vance, known for his populist rhetoric and staunch right-wing views, would need a running mate who either complements or challenges his ideology, depending on his strategic goals. His vice-presidential selection could reinforce his base, appeal to crucial swing voters, and determine the party’s trajectory for years. But if we examine the options through a more progressive lens, we can see how these choices would reinforce and even exacerbate the most concerning aspects of modern conservative politics.

Take Marco Rubio, for example. With his strong ties to the GOP establishment and a background as a senator and Secretary of State, Rubio might seem like a safe pick, someone who could help bring establishment Republicans into the fold and provide some foreign policy gravitas to balance Vance’s more domestically focused politics. But Rubio’s flip-flopping on key issues like immigration, his willingness to pander to the most extreme wings of his party, and his overall lack of a distinctive, visionary agenda make him a troubling figure. His selection would signal that while discussing the challenge of draining the swamp, Vance is more than willing to align himself with the establishment figures who have long prioritized corporate interests over the needs of everyday people. It’s a reminder that the establishment GOP’s ties to powerful financial interests and its hostility toward meaningful immigration reform could continue to dominate Republican policy, no matter how much Vance may try to distance himself from them.

Ron DeSantis would represent a more combative, populist choice who has proven himself capable of rallying the far-right base, particularly with his authoritarian-style governance in Florida. From restricting voting rights to attacking education systems and banning abortion, DeSantis embodies the kind of culture war politics that has come to define much of the modern Republican agenda. Yet his bruising primary defeat in 2024 and his potential to alienate moderate voters make him a risky pick for Vance, who must win back suburban and independent voters in key battleground states. From a progressive perspective, DeSantis’ selection would be a clear indication that Vance is fully committed to pursuing an agenda of division, culture wars, and unchecked power. It’s not hard to imagine the kinds of extremist policies and dangerous rhetoric that would follow such a ticket, potentially turning back the clock on years of progress in civil rights, education, and environmental protection.

Kristi Noem might appeal to Vance’s populist base, but her record leaves much to be desired. Her leadership in South Dakota during the pandemic, which saw a lack of protective measures for workers and communities, speaks to a broader disdain for public health measures and a profound indifference toward vulnerable populations. While she is a vocal advocate for gun rights and anti-choice policies, she also lacks the executive experience and foreign policy knowledge that could help bolster Vance’s standing on the world stage. But perhaps most concerning, from a progressive perspective, is the way she has embraced dangerous, anti-democratic ideologies, particularly her firm alignment with the far-right fringe of the GOP. Her selection would likely solidify the Republican Party’s radical turn, doubling down on authoritarian tendencies rather than moving toward moderation or substantive reform.

With his rhetoric about big tech and deeply conservative stances on social issues, Josh Hawley would serve as a polarizing figure on any ticket. His vocal support for the January 6 insurrection, his embrace of Christian nationalism, and his open disdain for the country’s democratic institutions all signal a dangerous direction for American politics. If Vance were to pick Hawley, it would signal an explicit embrace of anti-democratic values—an attempt to shift the Republican Party even further away from the moderate center and into the hands of the most dangerous and extreme elements of its base. A Vance-Hawley ticket could lead to further erosion of voting rights, more significant attacks on reproductive freedom, and a relentless push to suppress progressive social movements. From a progressive viewpoint, this would be nothing short of a disaster for democracy.

Though less extreme than other potential candidates, Elise Stefanik brings her concerns. As one of the GOP’s rising stars, she has positioned herself as a staunch defender of Trump’s legacy and would likely appeal to the party’s establishment wing. However, her shift to the right in recent years, particularly her embrace of anti-immigrant rhetoric and hardline positions on abortion, raises alarms. While she may help consolidate the Republican base, particularly among women and suburban voters, her lack of executive experience and tendency to adopt extreme positions on social issues makes her a troubling figure. In a Vance administration, Stefanik could become an enabler of policies that would further entrench inequality and erode democratic principles, whether through voter suppression, restricting reproductive rights, or undermining essential social safety nets.

On the other hand, Byron Donalds is a rising star within the GOP and might bring a much-needed sense of diversity to Vance’s ticket, which could be seen as a savvy political move. As an African American conservative, Donald could potentially appeal to Black voters who might feel alienated by the Democratic Party’s centrist policies. But his deeply conservative stances on issues like gun rights, abortion, and immigration place him firmly in line with the most right-wing factions of the Republican Party. His relatively short tenure in Congress and lack of executive experience make him a less viable choice for national leadership. A Vance-Donalds ticket could help shore up Republican support among specific voter demographics. Still, it would also further entrench the party’s hardline stance on key issues, exacerbating the challenges we face on issues like racial justice, immigration, and economic inequality.

Ultimately, Vance’s vice-presidential pick will not just be a running mate but a defining marker of the direction the Republican Party intends to take. Each potential candidate represents a different facet of the GOP’s current ideological battles, from DeSantis’s culture wars to Rubio’s establishment ties to Hawley’s open embrace of extremism. For progressives, any of these choices signal a deepening commitment to regressive, harmful policies that prioritize division, inequality, and the interests of the wealthy over the needs of working people. Whoever Vance picks, the message will be clear: the Republican Party is not moving toward reform or unity but doubling down on the very forces that have fueled polarization and inequality in this country.