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Who will be the Republican presidential nominee in 2028?
Vance under pressure
The central issue is not whether Vance is visible enough; it is whether he can convert visibility into durable party support. Having the vice presidency gives him a head start, but the reporting suggests he still has to reassure skeptical Trump-world figures that he can inherit the coalition intact.
Open succession
Trump’s hesitation keeps the succession dynamic unsettled. Without a clear blessing, ambitious Republicans have an incentive to test the waters, which raises the possibility that the 2028 race will not be a coronation but a real primary fight.
The path ahead
If Vance wants to close the door on challengers, he will need to show organizational strength, fundraising depth, and broad acceptance beyond the MAGA base. That makes the next year especially important, because early softening in elite support can quickly turn into a more competitive field.