A new poll reveals overwhelming support for President Donald Trump in a hypothetical 2028 Republican primary race despite constitutional barriers preventing him from seeking a third term.
According to Daily Mail, Trump secured 39 percent of Republican support in a Daily Mail/J.L. Partners survey that explored voters' preferences for the next presidential election cycle, assuming constitutional hurdles were cleared.
The poll, conducted between April 23 and 28, showed Trump maintaining a significant lead over other potential candidates, including his own Vice President J.D. Vance, who received 19 percent support. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley trailed with 6 and 4 percent, respectively, while current Secretary of State Marco Rubio garnered 3 percent of Republican backing.
Constitutional challenges block Trump's potential return
The 22nd Amendment currently prevents Trump from seeking a third presidential term. Republican lawmakers would need to initiate a complex process to modify the Constitution, requiring support from two-thirds of both congressional houses or a national convention called by two-thirds of states. The amendment would then need ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures or special conventions.
Recent developments suggest a growing interest in the possibility of Trump's 2028 bid. The Trump store recently launched "Trump 2028" merchandise, selling hats for $50 each. This move has sparked debate about whether it represents a serious push for constitutional change or merely serves as political messaging.
The survey results indicate strong loyalty among Trump's base, even as questions about his eligibility persist. Several other potential candidates received minimal support, including Ted Cruz and Glenn Youngkin at 2 percent each.
Vice President Vance emerges as potential successor
Without Trump in the equation, Vice President J.D. Vance emerges as the clear frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nomination. The poll showed Vance receiving 48 percent support in a Trump-free scenario, with DeSantis following at a distant 8 percent.
Even in a scenario including Donald Trump Jr., Vance maintains his strong position with 40 percent support. The younger Trump received 11 percent backing, while DeSantis secured 10 percent of potential Republican primary voters.
The poll suggests Vance has successfully positioned himself as the heir apparent to the MAGA movement, significantly outperforming other prominent Republican figures, including Marco Rubio and Nikki Haley, who each received 5 percent support.
Future of Republican leadership takes shape
The survey revealed limited enthusiasm for several other potential candidates. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and New York Representative Elise Stefanik each received 1 percent or less support from Republican voters.
Political strategist Steve Bannon, who has maintained close ties with Trump, also failed to generate significant interest among potential primary voters. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percent.
Republican vision for 2028 emerges
The Daily Mail/J.L. Partners survey provides crucial insights into the Republican Party's potential leadership trajectory heading toward 2028. President Trump continues to dominate Republican voter preferences, securing 39 percent support in a hypothetical primary scenario that assumes constitutional obstacles could be overcome.
Vice President J.D. Vance has established himself as the clear alternative to Trump, particularly evident in scenarios where the current president is excluded from consideration. The polling data suggests a strong continuation of the MAGA movement's influence on Republican politics, with traditional party figures like DeSantis, Haley, and Rubio struggling to build significant support bases for future presidential ambitions.
