Vance? Rubio? DeSantis? Cruz? Republicans at Dallas convention ponder options for post-Trump leader

DALLAS (AP) — As Vice President JD Vance addressed the crowd at the Republican midterm convention, he was interrupted by a fan who shouted “JD 48!” Others joined in, and Vance paused with a smile before cutting them off. “We gotta take care of business this November and then we’ll worry about what comes next,” he said. Vance was front and center Thursday night as he and President Donald Trump urged Republicans to turn out for fall elections that will signal the looming end of Trump’s time in the White House and the beginning of the race to succeed him.

But in the hallways of the American Airlines Center in steamy Dallas this week, the vice president’s place as Trump’s heir was hardy a given. In interviews with nearly two dozen attendees, there was no clear consensus yet on a favored 2028 candidate. While Vance received plenty of mentions, a long list of others — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Texas Sen.

Ron DeSantis — were on wish lists as well. And most said they weren’t ready to commit. The uncertainty mirrors the wide-open field on the Democratic side, which is embroiled in its own soul searching, and it underscores the early date, since no candidates have even officially said they’re running.

It also reflects how completely the party has come to revolve around Trump in the decade since he seized control, making it difficult for some Republicans to consider a future without him at the helm. Rochelle Brooks shook her head at the prospect of voicing her preference for a 2028 nominee so soon. But when pressed, she offered up Trump’s top rival for the 2024 nomination.

“If I had to name somebody at this moment, if I was forced, I would say it’s the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis,” said the Dallas IT manager. “What he’s done in Florida is a roadmap for what we need to do in America.” Others were more certain. Peggy Stanton could hardly get Rubio’s name out of her mouth fast enough when asked who she would like to see atop the Republicans’ 2028 ticket.

Even though the Houston retiree didn’t support his 2016 campaign for president, Stanton said she always believed Rubio would be president some day. He totally understands international threats, the threats of communism,” she said. “Every single issue I hear him speak on, he gets it.