Iowa’s Republican heartland is buzzing with whispers of a 2028 presidential showdown. A familiar face from 2016, Marco Rubio, is stirring the pot again, along with a female Trump Cabinet member, while Vice President JD Vance looms large, as the Daily Mail reports. The MAGA faithful are watching closely, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
In 2016, Rubio, the son of a bartender and maid, crisscrossed Iowa to secure the Republican nomination. He lost to Donald Trump, who went on to claim the presidency. Now, as secretary of State, Rubio’s star is rising again, with whispers of a 2028 bid.
Rubio’s Iowa campaign left a lasting mark, earning him friends and admirers. “Marco Rubio made a big impression here,” a well-connected Iowa strategist told the Daily Mail. But let’s be real—impressions don’t win nominations when woke policies still lurk in the shadows.
Rubio’s 2016 charm offensive in Iowa showcased his humble roots and thoughtful demeanor. CNN’s Eric Bradner noted this week that Rubio is polling strong in the Hawkeye State. Yet, the progressive agenda’s grip makes his “likeability” a tough sell against MAGA’s raw energy.
Now secretary of State, Rubio’s been dubbed the “new Kissinger” for his role in Trump’s administration. He’s held three other posts, proving his loyalty to the MAGA cause. Still, his resume alone won’t topple the anti-woke juggernaut that defines today’s GOP.
Rubio insists he’s content as secretary of State through January 2028. “[I] would be satisfied with that as the apex of my career,” he told Lara Trump on Fox News. Sounds noble, but ambition like his rarely stays dormant.
Enter Vance, the current vice president and MAGA’s golden boy. “Vance has name ID off the charts,” an Iowa strategist gushed to the Daily Mail. His sparse Iowa visits -- once or twice -- haven’t dimmed his star; the woke crowd’s worst nightmare is his authenticity.
Vance’s 2024 debate performance against Tim Walz was a masterclass, described by pollster Frank Luntz as “truly exceptional.” Luntz’s focus groups showed Vance dominating, a signal that he’s the heir apparent. The left’s obsession with “equity” can’t match that kind of firepower.
“Vance would have ‘a big head start’ against any challenger,” the Iowa strategist added. Insiders agree: Rubio’s path to 2028 is blocked unless Vance steps aside. That’s a tall order when Vance’s MAGA cred is rock-solid.
Trump, ever the kingmaker, hasn’t fully endorsed Vance as his successor. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president,” Trump said, hinting at a possible Vance-Rubio ticket. A duo like that could crush the progressive pipe dreams peddled by coastal elites.
“I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD,” Trump mused. Rubio’s quick to praise Vance, calling him a “great nominee” and “close friend.” Such camaraderie is sweet, but politics isn’t a buddy comedy -- it’s a battle against woke dogma.
Vance’s expected to ramp up campaigning before the 2026 midterms, solidifying his Iowa grip. “He’s an incredibly gifted political athlete,” a Washington strategist told the Daily Mail. The left’s sanctimonious lectures don’t stand a chance against his retail charm.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is another name floating for 2028. A former congresswoman and South Dakota governor, she also has a “perfect resume,” per Luntz. Her Midwestern sensibility could resonate in Iowa, where woke policies are about as welcome as a blizzard in July.
“She communicates the Trump philosophy,” Luntz said of Noem, calling her “arguably the most qualified” for president. That’s high praise, but her star power lags behind Vance’s. The MAGA base craves a fighter who can dismantle the progressive narrative, not just echo it.
Rubio has dismissed a 2028 run, and Vance remains the favorite, but Noem’s entry adds intrigue. Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status makes it the battleground for MAGA’s soul. Whoever prevails, the fight against the woke agenda will define the GOP’s path forward.
