Vice President JD Vance emerges as the frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, securing a commanding 61% support in the latest CPAC straw poll.
The second place wasn’t even close. Nor was it a politician!
At a Glance
- JD Vance leads CPAC straw poll with 61% support for 2028 GOP nomination
- Over 1,000 conservative activists participated in the survey
- Steve Bannon and Ron DeSantis trail with 12% and 7% support respectively
- President Trump maintains 99% approval rating among CPAC attendees
- Vance’s alignment with Trump and compelling speeches credited for his popularity
Vance Dominates CPAC Straw Poll
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) straw poll for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination has yielded a clear frontrunner: Vice President JD Vance. With an overwhelming 61% of the vote, Vance has positioned himself as the preferred choice among conservative activists likely to participate in Republican primaries and general elections.
The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 CPAC attendees, is widely regarded as a significant indicator of conservative sentiment. While not scientifically rigorous, these results are closely monitored by politicians, fundraisers, and media outlets for insights into the conservative movement’s direction.
Former Trump aide Steve Bannon secured the second position with 12% of the vote, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis garnered 7% support.
Yes, Steve Bannon came second – even after the media flipped out about his “Nazi salute” during a CPAC speech. Other potential candidates, including Marco Rubio, Elise Stefanik, Donald Trump Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy, each received 3% or less of the vote.
That’s…tiny. There’s not even a real second place here.
So what’s going on? Well, the pollsters seem to think they know.
“He is seen as the closest figure to President Donald Trump,” Jim McLaughlin of McLaughlin & Associates Polls said.
Vance’s strong performance in the straw poll is attributed to his role as Vice President and his ability to connect with the conservative base through compelling speeches on culture and traditional values.
President Donald Trump’s influence within the conservative movement remains strong, with a 99% approval rating among CPAC attendees. During his address at the conference, Trump emphasized the success of his administration and the ongoing efforts to reform Washington.
“Our movement is thriving, winning and dominating Washington like never before. The fraudsters, liars, cheaters, globalists and deep-state bureaucrats are being sent packing. The Illegal alien criminals are being sent home. We’re draining the swamp, and we’re restoring government by the people and for the people,” President Trump said.
Trump’s speech highlighted his administration’s achievements, including efforts to reduce government waste and increase support among diverse voter groups. He also criticized the current administration’s policies on Ukraine and Iran.
JD Vance’s popularity among conservatives is bolstered by his alignment with Trump’s policies and his articulate defense of traditional values. His recent speech at CPAC, where he addressed remarks made at the Munich Security Conference, was met with a standing ovation.
It turns out people like a man who speaks the truth without fear. Sound like someone you know?
