<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Vice President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/jd-vance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JD Vance</a> will take center stage on the final night of the Republican midterm convention on Thursday, providing him with an opportunity to solidify his position as a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Before Vance's keynote address in Dallas, Senator <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ted-cruz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ted Cruz</a> (R-TX) will also speak.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The sequence of their appearances may indicate a potential rivalry for the 2028 nomination and reflect the broader discussion about the future direction of the Republican Party post-Trump. Vance is seen as the primary successor to Trump's populist conservatism, while Cruz is advocating for a more traditional fiscally conservative approach and is challenging the assumption that the vice president should be the presumptive nominee.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cruz has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of antisemitism within the Republican Party, while Vance has also condemned antisemitism but has not distanced himself from former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) expressed to the <em>Washington Examiner</em> that he believes Cruz is “definitely going to run” in 2028, stating that any Republican candidates would be “a zillion times better” than the Democratic nominee.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Vance's immediate challenge on Thursday night will be addressing supporters concerned about Trump's declining approval ratings, ongoing conflicts in Iran, and potential voter apathy that could lead to Democratic control of Congress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Denise McAllister Randall, a Dallas resident and alternate delegate to the convention, noted that Vance's challenge is to maintain focus on current issues and the president's agenda, emphasizing the importance of his motivational role.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Polls indicate Vance is leading the 2028 Republican primary, with a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/president-republican-primary-polls-2028.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>New York Times</em> poll composite</a> showing him at 43%, significantly ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 21%, while Cruz is at 4%. Rubio is not scheduled to speak at the convention.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite Vance's lead, Trump has not discouraged other Republicans from running against him. When asked about potential candidates, Trump has praised both Cruz and War Secretary Pete Hegseth but has not endorsed any specific future presidential bid.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The outcome of the November midterm elections may influence the 2028 candidate field. A significant loss for Republicans could lead to more candidates emerging as alternatives to the MAGA movement, while a strong performance could unify support around Vance.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cruz's supporters in Texas are optimistic about his chances in a potential presidential run. Tano Tijerina, a Republican candidate aiming to win Rep. Henry Cuellar’s (D-TX) seat, expressed confidence in Cruz's prospects.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Hailey Bullis contributed to this report.</em></p>