Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz are visiting Iowa this week, stirring speculation about the 2028 presidential race as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas are making significant stops in Iowa this week, a pivotal state for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and a traditional launchpad for GOP presidential candidates. Their visits are generating buzz about the 2028 presidential race, particularly as both politicians consider their future ambitions in the wake of President Donald Trump’s term-limited exit.
With just over six months remaining until the midterms, Republicans are focused on defending their slim majorities in both the Senate and the House. However, the outcome of these elections will set the stage for the next presidential race, prompting Vance and Cruz to engage with voters and party leaders in Iowa.
Veteran Republican strategist David Kochel emphasized the importance of Iowa in the current political landscape. “Because of how competitive Iowa looks to be right now, there’s going to be a lot of money coming in and a lot of attention paid,” he noted. “It’s the best excuse to come to Iowa and get to know people and road test some messaging.”
Cruz is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Annual Spring Kickoff for the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, a prominent social conservative group, on Friday. His speech, titled “Constitutional Courage — ‘Cruzing’ Toward Victory: A Roadmap for 2026,” reflects his ongoing engagement with the party’s base. Cruz previously won the Iowa presidential caucuses in 2016 and was a strong contender against Trump in that election cycle.
When asked about a potential 2024 presidential run, Cruz stated, “There will be plenty of time to make those decisions. I don’t have an announcement for you today.” Nevertheless, his actions suggest he is laying the groundwork for a possible bid, positioning himself as a conservative alternative to Vance, who is currently seen as the frontrunner to inherit Trump’s political legacy.
Vance will visit Iowa on Tuesday, where he plans to appear alongside Republican Representative Zach Nunn, who is facing a challenging re-election campaign in a competitive district. This marks Vance’s first trip to Iowa as vice president, and it is widely anticipated that he will launch a presidential campaign for 2028 following the midterms.
Kochel remarked that Vance is likely to gain significant media exposure during his visit, which could bolster his visibility ahead of a potential campaign. Although Vance has downplayed speculation about 2028, calling it “premature” and “disloyal” to Trump, he has assembled a team of advisers who would be ready to support a presidential campaign if he decides to run.
In the early polling for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, Vance is currently leading. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also seen a surge in support, attributed to his increased responsibilities and visibility, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy issues. Rubio finished a strong second to Vance in a recent straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Trump has publicly praised Rubio, calling him “the greatest secretary of state in history,” and has suggested a potential Vance-Rubio ticket, which he described as “unstoppable.” While Trump has not indicated who should lead the ticket, he has previously stated that Vance is “most likely” his successor.
Rubio has expressed his support for Vance, stating, “If JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him.” However, sources within the Republican Party have indicated that a group of donors is quietly working to elevate Rubio’s profile, which has caused some tension within Trump’s circle.
An operative close to Trump remarked, “Vice President Vance is the future of the Republican Party, and Marco Rubio is one of his closest friends in the administration. The divisive stories from some donors trying to cause chaos are not helpful.” Vance has echoed this sentiment, asserting that there is no conflict between him and Rubio.
In addition to Vance, Cruz, and Rubio, several other prominent Republicans are being considered as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. These include Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Brian Kemp of Georgia, and Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, as well as former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Senators Tom Cotton, Josh Hawley, and Rick Scott.
Also in the mix is Representative Byron Donalds of Florida, a strong supporter of the MAGA movement, who is currently running for governor. Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest son, is another name to watch, although his close relationship with Vance may deter him from pursuing a presidential bid in the near future.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the visits by Vance and Cruz to Iowa underscore the increasing focus on the 2028 presidential race, even as the 2026 midterm elections loom large on the horizon. According to Fox News, the actions of these prominent Republicans will likely shape the future of the GOP in the coming years.