A straw poll conducted at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) found that conservative voters view Vice President J.D. Vance as the likely Republican presidential nominee for 2028. Jim McLaughlin, president of McLaughlin & Associates Polls, shared that attendees favored Vance because he is seen as the closest to Donald Trump.
The poll also showed support for figures like Steve Bannon, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Over 1,000 CPAC attendees participated, and McLaughlin noted the CPAC straw poll’s history of reflecting conservative sentiment, including accurately predicting Trump’s victories in 2024.
The poll also revealed overwhelming approval of Trump, with 99% support for his agenda and second administration performance.
