Vice President JD Vance has emerged as the Republican Party's leading contender for the 2028 presidential nomination, according to former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who identified him as the clear front-runner during an exclusive video interview with the Washington Examiner's Right Way Forward.
The assessment comes as President Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, opening the field for new candidates. Recent polling shows Vance leading the field by wide margins.
President Trump has publicly teased both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors but has not issued an official endorsement.
Walker, whose own 2015 presidential campaign collapsed after two months, advised Vance to maintain momentum and avoid the front-runner's fatal mistake: looking back. "When you have the lead, don't let up, don't turn and look back," Walker said. "Just keep running harder."
Walker cautioned that a strong record alone is insufficient. Vance must articulate clear plans to appeal to primary voters and those in key caucus states. Walker referenced Ron DeSantis, saying he had tried to convey this message to the Florida governor years ago.
For any Republicans challenging Vance, Walker recommended presenting a distinct vision centered on free markets and limited government.
The 2026 midterm results will shape the 2028 field, Walker warned. A strong Republican performance would bolster Vance's position, while a poor showing could open the door to alternative candidates.
Walker also raised concerns about younger voters who backed Trump potentially shifting allegiance if Republicans fail to deliver on promises. "There are some younger voters who might have voted for President Donald Trump two years ago, who might actually be some of the same people voting for some of these Democratic socialists," Walker said.
Rubio has gained traction in 2028 prediction markets, climbing to 19 percent odds for the nomination—second only to Vance, who holds 54 percent. DeSantis, who spent $160 million on his 2024 campaign and finished third in Iowa with 21.2 percent of the vote, now holds 3 percent odds. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley finished third in the 2024 Iowa caucus with 19.1 percent.
Walker currently serves as president of Young America's Foundation, a conservative youth organization.
