CPAC straw poll reveals who conservatives believe will be 2028 presidential nominee
Conservative voters are buzzing with excitement as they believe Vice President JD Vance is poised to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in the 2028 election cycle. This sentiment was echoed in a straw poll conducted at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where more than 1,000 attendees participated.
Jim McLaughlin, president of McLaughlin & Associates Polls, shared the results of the poll, revealing that JD Vance was the preferred choice for the Republican presidential nominee in 2028. He attributed this support to Vance being viewed as the closest thing to former President Donald Trump, a beloved figure in conservative circles. While specific data on Vance’s support was not disclosed, the overwhelming sentiment among CPAC attendees was clear.
The accuracy of the CPAC straw poll in predicting conservatives’ views and voting trends was highlighted by McLaughlin, who noted that previous polls correctly forecasted Trump’s victories in the 2024 primary and general election. He emphasized the strong support for Trump within the conservative movement, citing approval ratings of 99% on various issues and the belief that Trump’s second administration has been the best for the modern conservative movement.
The poll also touched on Trump’s performance since taking office, with respondents expressing high approval ratings for his leadership. Notably, 99% of participants indicated that Congress passing Trump’s agenda quickly was a priority for them, and that Trump was doing a better job in his second administration compared to his first.
One standout result from the poll was the overwhelming approval for Trump’s suggestion of establishing a national security and economic alliance with Greenland. Ninety-three percent of respondents supported this idea, citing economic and national security benefits. McLaughlin praised Trump for his visionary approach to governance and his ability to unite the conservative movement.
As the 2028 election cycle draws closer, the enthusiasm for JD Vance’s potential candidacy continues to grow among conservative voters. With his alignment with Trump’s principles and policies, many believe that Vance is the candidate who can carry on the legacy of the former president. The CPAC straw poll results serve as a testament to the strong support for Vance within the conservative base, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive presidential race in 2028.
