As per President Donald Trump, the time to call for a successor, for the 2028 GOP nomination, is far away, but the race to carry his legacy forward has already begun.
From Vance to several state governors, five Republican personalities can likely replace Trump as the next President.
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JD Vance – Vice President
How can the list even start without the inclusion of the Vice President of the country, JD Vance? Vance, once a Trump critic, has eventually become one of his closest allies, and he is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the next President’s post.
As per reports, Donald Trump recently said, “I think [Vance is] a fantastic, brilliant guy… somebody’s the VP, if that person is outstanding, I guess that person would have an advantage.”
However, JD Vance, despite having an upperhand among the contendors, he’s still humble, saying – “My attitude is, if I do end up running in 2028, I’m not entitled to it.”
Marco Rubio – Secretary of State and National Security Adviser
Marco Rubio has been engaged in dual cabinet roles, and it has eventually reignited the buzz around him of possibly becoming the next President.
These two men are far exceeding my initial expectations, every week.
Scott Bessent and Marco Rubio were practically made for the roles they currently hold in the Trump administration.
We are lucky to have them. pic.twitter.com/5TgAGHcWXe
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 17, 2025
Though Rubio and Trump both have feuds in the past concerning the President, once mocking him as “Little Marco,” their relationship has evolved. Besides, Rubio also backed Donald Trump in the 2024 primaries, and the latter also praised the former on Meet the Press, “Marco is great.”
Donald Trump Jr.
A surprising inclusion in this list of Trump’s successors as the President is his son, Donald Trump Jr., himself. Rumours were raised when his son at the Qatar Economic Forum stated, “Maybe one day, you know, that calling is there.”
And he reinforced that comment by saying, “Maybe. You never know.” But he later walked it back, slamming Reuters, “Fake News @Reuters should retract this BS… I have ZERO interest in running for office in 28 or anytime soon.”
Ron DeSantis – Florida Governor
Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump engaged in a bruising primary battle, where DeSantis eventually endorsed him. A common thing between the two is, they both have mended fences, and the President even considered him for the Defense Secretary role.
Besides, the governor also has friction with the lawmakers of Florida, and some scrutiny regarding the Hope Florida Foundation might complicate his opportunities to become the President.
Glenn Youngkin – Virginia Governor
Another governor in this list comes in the likes of Glenn Youngkin. He is indeed a high contender to become a President, and he even said in an interview – “My job is to continue to serve Virginians the best I can… I’m committed to doing that.”
His centrist tone and 2021 win in a blue-leaning state made him a national figure. But Democrats’ sweep of Virginia’s legislature in 2023 slowed his momentum.
There’s still plenty of time left to see who will eventually become the next President of the country, with the Vice President getting an upper hand, but the others won’t let slip that opportunity with ease, either.
