Summary
Vice President JD Vance won the straw poll at the 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), gaining support for potentially becoming the Republican presidential nominee in 2028. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the runner-up, showing increased support since the last poll. The poll results arrive as the Republican Party is preparing for the upcoming midterm elections and considering future leadership after President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
- JD Vance won 53% of votes in the CPAC straw poll.
- Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, received 35% of the votes.
- The poll was taken among nearly 1,600 attendees.
- Last year's poll had Vance with 61%, Steve Bannon with 12%, and Ron DeSantis with 7%.
- CPAC is an annual conference focused on conservative politics in the U.S.
- Rubio has improved his position from fourth place in the previous poll.
- President Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36%.
- Trump is ineligible for a third term due to U.S. law, as his current term ends in 2028.
