Republican Presidential Nomination Race Becomes a Two-Horse Race, Rubio Gains Momentum
Marco Rubio's support in the 2028 Republican presidential nomination race has surged, creating a two-way contest with JD Vance.
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- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 18:28
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 00:00 (53h 32m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 00:30 (24h 29m after Collected)
According to the latest national polls in the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's support in the 2028 Republican presidential nomination race has surged, putting him nearly neck-and-neck with Vice President JD Vance, signaling a major shift in the Republican primary landscape.
Newsweek reported that the latest Emerson College poll shows Vance leading with 36% support among likely Republican primary voters, with Rubio closely following at 35%.
While neither Vance nor Rubio has officially announced a bid for the presidency, Rubio's rising momentum reflects a significant shift in Republican voter support since early 2026.
What once appeared to be a clear lead for Vance has evolved into an increasingly tight contest due to divided voter blocks and rising uncertainty.
As the 2028 election cycle heats up, Rubio has gained visibility through his role as Secretary of State, including a recent four-day visit to India, where he worked to stabilize strained bilateral relations and advance US strategic interests, making him more prominent on the international stage.
According to a series of Emerson College polls, Rubio's support has increased by 26 percentage points since August 2025, rising from 9% to 35%.
Since February of this year, Rubio's support has grown by 15 percentage points, erasing Vance's previous lead and turning the Republican presidential nomination race into a two-horse race.
Newsweek reported that the latest Emerson College poll shows Vance leading with 36% support among likely Republican primary voters, with Rubio closely following at 35%.
While neither Vance nor Rubio has officially announced a bid for the presidency, Rubio's rising momentum reflects a significant shift in Republican voter support since early 2026.
What once appeared to be a clear lead for Vance has evolved into an increasingly tight contest due to divided voter blocks and rising uncertainty.
As the 2028 election cycle heats up, Rubio has gained visibility through his role as Secretary of State, including a recent four-day visit to India, where he worked to stabilize strained bilateral relations and advance US strategic interests, making him more prominent on the international stage.
According to a series of Emerson College polls, Rubio's support has increased by 26 percentage points since August 2025, rising from 9% to 35%.
Since February of this year, Rubio's support has grown by 15 percentage points, erasing Vance's previous lead and turning the Republican presidential nomination race into a two-horse race.
FAQ
Why is Rubio gaining attention?
His diplomatic track record as Secretary of State is appealing to voters.