WASHINGTON D.C — Secretary of State Marco Rubio outperformed Vice President JD Vance in several hypothetical 2028 presidential matchups against leading Democrats, according to an Emerson College National Poll released Thursday.
Rubio led former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., by identical 48%-43% margins. Vance defeated Ocasio-Cortez 46%-44% but trailed Harris by 4 percentage points.
Against California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Rubio received 46% support to Vance’s 44%. Both Republicans trailed the term-limited governor, who polled at 49% against Vance and 48% against Rubio.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., posted the strongest results among Democrats tested. Buttigieg led both Republicans 49%-44%. Ossoff held a 3-point edge over Rubio (47%-44%) and a 5-point advantage over Vance (49%-44%).
The Emerson College survey of 1,000 registered voters was conducted Aug. 16-17 and carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points. At least 6% of respondents were undecided in every matchup.
Rubio has said he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 if Vance runs. Vance has indicated he will decide on a potential candidacy after the November midterm elections.
Trump has previously referred to Vance and Rubio as a potential “dream team” ticket but has not indicated a preference for which should seek the presidency. Trump earlier this month dismissed reports that he had privately backed Vance for 2028, saying it was “way too early” to make an endorsement.
As reported by VINnews