Vice President Vance Uses Midterms as 2028 Campaign Preview

Vice President Vance Uses Midterms as 2028 Campaign Preview

Weatherford, Texas - Vice President Mike Vance is concentrating his campaign message ahead of Election Day in a manner many interpret as a rehearsal for a presidential bid in 2028 that appears almost inevitable. While Donald Trump has been traveling across the country for almost daily midterm rallies in the final month of campaigning, Vance's itinerary has been equally active, though his speeches attract smaller crowds.

"He's clearly sharpening his campaigning sword and building his IOU pile in preparation for a run," said Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor. "Vance can't draw Trump's crowds, but he is energetic in his verbal knifing of Democrats," he added.

That sharpness was on full display at a midterm rally in the deep, red Weatherton, Texas on Thursday. The crowd filled a large construction warehouse to capacity, while spectators outside watched on a jumbotron. Vance addressed the audience with a call to action: "I need you to tell James Talarico that this weird obsession with trans kids is not good for the state of Texas, and I need you to send the message to every far-left activist, to everybody who expects Texas to surrender, that in five days Texas is not surrendering a damn thing," he said, prompting the crowd to chant "JD!" at times.

Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, referenced his upbringing in Appalachia and described himself as "a product of the American dream as your vice president." He continued, "Because the American dream was there for me, I want it to be there for you," to the Texas supporters.

Critics on the political left have not held back on Vance's messaging and delivery. During a Fox News town hall in Texas, a question was posed about how young people can marry and raise families if homeownership is financially out of reach. Vance pre-empted the answer by joking that he had only been asked one question about Ohio Senator Jon Husted's (R) ass, alluding to one of Trump's recent fixations. Left-wing commentators called the reply cringey and out of touch.

Vance also drew criticism from Democrats and some in his own party when he supported Vivek Ramaswamy's divisive attack ad in the Ohio governor's race, even as GOP members questioned their candidate. Nevertheless, many Republicans view his performance as a positive sign heading into the 2026 homestretch, potentially a tough election for the party.

"He's getting in some really good, quality political reps at that level right now, and taking advantage of the midterm calendar to do it while at the same time obviously going out to try and be helpful to candidates who need it in some really critical statewide races," said one Republican strategist.

Vance has made stops in Kansas, Montana, North Carolina, and Texas this week alone. He has delivered dozens of speeches since campaigning began for the primaries, while also touring the country as the head of Trump's fraud task force. On Monday, he will return to his home state of Ohio to stump for Republicans in the contentious gubernatorial and Senate races. He will also campaign in Rome, New York, located in the state's 21st congressional district, a race the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates as "lean Republican."

"I don't know if it's a test as much of an opportunity to show what he can do," said Chris Johnson, an Ohio Republican strategist. "I grew up with pretty center-right Ohio Republican politics and listening to JD talk radicalized me, and moved me toward this much more nationalist position," he added.

While Vance insists he is laser-focused on the midterms, he regularly deflects questions about his political future. He stated that Trump would probably back him if he ran, in an interview with Mark Halperin on 2WAY earlier this month. Although Trump has given Vance the fraud platform, the vice president still faces the same hurdles as most VPs: limited wiggle room and dependence on the principal's goals.

"When you're in the role as vice president, you're often limited to whatever the goals of the principal are," Johnson said. "You're also not really given a lot of wiggle room to do your own thing or have your own voice." "But he does have this really unique, compelling voice and story, and so when he's been getting more leeway like he's been getting recently to be himself, be authentic, that's where you're seeing the real success," he continued.

The speculation around Vance and other potential 2028 nominees will heat up after the midterms. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, another contender for Trump's crown, said last night that he has "no plans at this time" to run for president. Rubio has mostly steered clear of campaigning but joined Trump on a trip to Texas earlier this week, speaking for about 11 seconds after Trump called him onto the stage. Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate but has described the prospect of Vance and Rubio on the same ticket as the "dream team."

"I think Vance probably gets first crack at it, you know the first opportunity, the first right of refusal," the unnamed Republican strategist said. "But a bruising midterms could leave Republicans in disarray two years out from their post-Trump future." "Any thought of 'heir apparent' is probably thrown out the window next Wednesday unless we defy gravity and beat the odds," the strategist added. "He's going to have to work for it. He's going to have to earn it."

Vance has regularly topped straw polls in gatherings of hardcore Republican supporters. How that translates to primary elections will be tested in about 15 months. "If the party faithful, starting with Iowa Caucus goers still want to continue the MAGA trend, then he is the likely nominee," the unnamed strategist said. Johnson noted that Vance's age, 42, could work in his advantage, citing his popularity among young conservatives. "If this leads to a sort of come-to-Jesus moment within the party, I think folks are going to immediately start looking forward, and if you're looking forward, the immediate guy that you want to start thinking about is the vice president," Johnson said.

Background

Mike Vance, born in 1981, served as a U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district from 2017 to 2021 before becoming the 47th Vice President under President Donald Trump in 2021. His book Hillbilly Elegy examines the economic decline of the American working class and was a bestseller upon release in 2008. Vance's political career has been marked by a focus on economic opportunity, social conservatism, and a commitment to the "American dream."

Trump's 2024 campaign has been characterized by frequent travel and daily rallies across key swing states, emphasizing his base's enthusiasm and the perceived urgency of his policy agenda. Vance's role as head of the President's Fraud Task Force has positioned him as a key figure in the administration's efforts to address election integrity concerns, while also providing a platform to speak on national issues.

In Ohio, the gubernatorial race pits Republican candidate Mike DeWine against Democratic challenger Josh Fitzgibbon, while the Senate race features Republican incumbent Rob Portman against Democrat Tim Walsh. Rome, New York, is the 21st congressional district, currently represented by Democrat Jamaal E. Roberts. The Cook Political Report's "lean Republican" rating indicates a competitive race with a slight advantage for the GOP.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Senator from Florida and former Secretary of State, has maintained a low public profile regarding a potential presidential bid. His brief appearance at a Texas rally alongside Trump underscores his ongoing alignment with the administration while avoiding overt campaigning.

What Happens Next

Vance's schedule for the coming weeks will include additional stops in swing states to support Republican candidates in critical statewide contests. His speeches will likely continue to emphasize economic opportunity, opposition to progressive policies, and a defense of traditional values. As the midterm election approaches, Republican strategists will monitor voter turnout and the effectiveness of Vance's messaging in translating enthusiasm into votes.

Should the Republican Party suffer losses in the midterms, the party's leadership will face the challenge of redefining its platform and candidate lineup for the 2028 presidential election. Vance's performance during this period will be a key indicator of his viability as the party's future nominee.

Key Points

• Vice President Mike Vance is using 2024 midterm rallies to refine his 2028 presidential bid.
• He spoke in Weatherton, Texas, urging opposition to "trans kids" policies and warning that Texas will not surrender.
• Vance has visited Kansas, Montana, North Carolina, and Texas, and will return to Ohio to support GOP candidates.
• Marco Rubio has stated he has "no plans at this time" to run for president.
• Trump has not endorsed a candidate but described a potential Vance-Rubio ticket as a "dream team."

Why It Matters

Vance's activities influence Republican strategy and voter sentiment across key states, affecting the party's performance in the 2024 midterms and shaping the 2028 presidential field.

FAQ

• What is Mike Vance's role in the 2024 campaign? He is the Vice President and head of Trump's Fraud Task Force, speaking at rallies and supporting GOP candidates.
• Has Marco Rubio announced a presidential run? No, he said he has "no plans at this time."
• What is the status of the Ohio Senate race? The race is between Republican Rob Portman and Democrat Tim Walsh, rated "lean Republican" by the Cook Political Report.

Image Prompt

A press photo of a large construction warehouse in Weatherford, Texas, filled with a crowd of Republican supporters watching a rally on a jumbotron, with a speaker on stage addressing the audience.