Conservative Attendees at CPAC Predict JD Vance as 2028 GOP Contender

A recent straw poll conducted at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference reveals that conservative voters see Vice President JD Vance as the likely presidential nominee for the Republican Party in the upcoming 2028 election cycle. This insight emerged during a gathering at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Jim McLaughlin, president of McLaughlin & Associates Polls, highlighted the significance of the straw poll results while addressing attendees. He noted that this audience represents the conservative movement and acts as its thought leaders, effectively gauging the preferences of fellow conservatives.

“We asked participants who they thought would emerge as the Republican nominee for president in 2028. The overwhelming choice was JD Vance. Attendees view him as the closest equivalent to Donald Trump,” McLaughlin stated, although he refrained from providing specific data regarding Vance’s support among conference attendees.

This straw poll collected responses from over 1,000 participants during the conservative conference, which began on Wednesday and concluded on Saturday following remarks from former President Donald Trump.

Historical Accuracy of CPAC Polls

McLaughlin underscored the track record of the CPAC straw poll in reflecting conservative sentiment and predicting voting trends with notable accuracy in previous years. He recalled that the poll correctly signaled Trump’s victories in both the 2024 primary and general elections.

“In previous years, despite mainstream media skepticism regarding Donald Trump’s viability, our polls consistently showed overwhelming support for him among CPAC attendees. Everyone here understood he would win the primary and the general election, regardless of the Democratic opposition,” he elaborated.

Trump’s Enduring Popularity

This year’s straw poll revealed prevailing sentiments related to Trump’s approval ratings since he took office. Remarkably, attendees rated Trump’s performance positively across various issues; many reported 99% approval ratings.

“The initial weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency marked a historical peak for the contemporary conservative movement,” McLaughlin remarked during one of the poll’s inquiries. “An astonishing 99% of participants concur that this is indeed the best period in modern conservative history.”

Alongside McLaughlin, CPAC Chair Matt Schlapp announced these remarkable findings during a session. The poll also indicated that 99% of respondents prioritized Congress’s prompt action on Trump’s agenda, and an equal percentage believed Trump is performing better now than during his initial administration.

An Unprecedented Approval Rating

The staggering level of approval for Trump stood at an impressive 99% according to the findings. McLaughlin, reflecting on his extensive experience as a pollster, expressed astonishment. He emphasized that these approval ratings set a new standard in terms of unifying the conservative movement.

“I have spent nearly four decades in polling, yet we have never encountered numbers this extraordinary,” he stated. “Donald Trump has uniquely united conservatives in a way we have never seen before.”

Trump’s Vision for National Security

Attendees also expressed strong support for Trump’s perspectives regarding a potential economic alliance with Greenland, underscoring the importance of national security. McLaughlin reported that 93% of respondents approved of this policy move. “This proposal aligns perfectly with economic logic and national security needs,” he asserted.

He elaborated, stating, “International colleagues in Europe also favor this strategic direction. Donald Trump is indeed a visionary leader.”

Looking Ahead to Trump’s Second Administration

This straw poll arrives just a month into Trump’s second administration, which has prioritized aggressive efforts to reorganize the federal government, targeting overspending and eradicating instances of fraud and mismanagement. Such initiatives align well with the sentiments expressed at CPAC, reflecting a desire for efficient governance among conservative advocates.

As the political landscape evolves, the results of this straw poll may serve as an influential indicator of the Republican electorate’s direction as the 2028 election approaches. Conservatives appear to be rallying around familiar faces from the past, with JD Vance emblematic of a hopeful continuity of Trump’s legacy within the party.

A Growing Consensus Among Conservatives

Overall, the CPAC straw poll illustrates a growing consensus about JD Vance’s potential to lead the Republican ticket in 2028. As the conference closes, the results indicate a distinct alignment within the party, reflecting both continuity and a strong desire for governance that coincides with the Trump era. This solidification of support may shape the coming elections and underscores the enduring influence of Trump’s policies on the conservative base moving forward.