CPAC Straw Poll Shows Clear Favorite for 2028 GOP Nomination

At this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), over 1,000 attendees participated in a straw poll to identify the next Republican Party leader after President Donald Trump’s second term. With Trump constitutionally barred from running again, the race for his successor is heating up. The results were clear: Vice President JD Vance emerged as the front-runner, winning an overwhelming 61% of the vote.

Conservative Sentiment on the 2028 Nominee

During an interview at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, CPAC pollster Jim McLaughlin explained the poll’s significance. “You are the thought leaders of the conservative movement,” he said, “and you believe JD Vance is the nominee because he’s closest to Trump.” This shows that conservatives see Vance as the natural successor to Trump’s populist agenda.

McLaughlin also highlighted the accuracy of CPAC’s past straw polls, which predicted Trump’s early support, despite media skepticism.

Breakdown of the Results

JD Vance dominated with 61% of the vote, followed by Steve Bannon at 12% and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with 7%. Other candidates, such as Marco Rubio and Elise Stefanik, each received 3%. Smaller percentages went to figures like Donald Trump Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Nikki Haley. Notably, 4% of participants remained undecided.

These results reveal a strong alignment with Trump’s policies. Vance, in particular, has struck a chord with conservatives, resonating with Trump’s leadership style and populist message.

Why JD Vance Appeals to Conservatives

JD Vance is gaining momentum due to his pragmatic approach and focus on issues that matter to conservatives, such as economic opportunity, cultural identity, and government accountability. McLaughlin attributes much of Vance’s popularity to his connection to Trump’s message: “He embodies the spirit of Trump’s America.”

Vance’s ability to articulate policies that appeal to both traditional conservatives and younger voters has strengthened his position.

Political Context and Future GOP Leadership

The 2028 GOP leadership race represents a pivotal moment for the Republican Party. With Trump’s influence still strong, the CPAC straw poll shows that many conservatives desire continuity. They want a leader who can bridge the gap between the past and future.

Despite concerns from critics, especially Senate Democrats, conservatives prioritize maintaining the momentum from Trump’s presidency. McLaughlin emphasized that the GOP base remains committed to leadership that confronts the establishment and champions decisive action.

Comparing CPAC Results with Past Polls

The CPAC straw poll has consistently predicted future GOP candidates. In previous years, strong CPAC performances have led to early support in the primaries. McLaughlin noted the accuracy of past polls, including early signs of Trump’s popularity, even when mainstream media was skeptical. “These numbers show the conservative movement is united,” McLaughlin said.

Implications for 2028

The straw poll results suggest that the Republican Party will continue to embrace Trump’s populist agenda in 2028. JD Vance’s strong showing points to his potential as the party’s nominee, reflecting a preference for leadership aligned with Trump’s legacy.

Trump’s influence remains substantial, with his approval ratings among CPAC attendees at 99% on key issues. This will likely shape the GOP’s strategy in the years ahead.

Broader Political Reactions

Political analysts on both sides of the aisle have weighed in on the results. Republicans view Vance as the best candidate to carry on Trump’s legacy. However, Democrats worry that a candidate closely tied to Trump could further polarize the electorate and alienate moderate voters.

Critics warn that while Trump’s base is highly engaged, the GOP may need a broader appeal to succeed in a general election. Still, the CPAC results clearly reflect the values and priorities of the conservative base.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead to the 2028 primaries, the CPAC straw poll provides a strong indication of the Republican Party’s direction. JD Vance is positioned as the frontrunner, with many conservatives eager to continue Trump’s populist, anti-establishment approach.

In the coming months, political observers will track whether the enthusiasm from CPAC translates into momentum in the primaries. For now, the message is clear: conservatives want a leader who embodies the bold vision that propelled Trump into the national spotlight.