Vice President JD Vance has emerged as the clear front-runner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, according to multiple recent polls, including a prominent Emerson College survey conducted in June 2025. Vance leads the Republican primary with approximately 46% support, significantly ahead of his closest rivals, Senator Marco Rubio, who has 12%, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with 9%. This marks a notable increase from November 2024, when Vance held 30% support. The Emerson poll also highlights that 46% of Republicans consider Vance the best candidate for the next presidential election. Additionally, Vance has surpassed Donald Trump Jr. in some polls, capturing 36% support among Republicans. The data indicate a strong early advantage for Vance in the GOP field, positioning him well ahead of other potential candidates for the 2028 nomination. On the Democratic side, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is noted as a leading contender according to the same polling sources.