Marco Rubio is experiencing a peak in his political career during the second Trump administration, establishing himself as the main contender against Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 Republican nomination, according to an analysis released by CNBC this Wednesday.
The turning point came on Tuesday when Rubio took the podium at the White House press briefing. Filling in for Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave, he adeptly handled questions concerning the conflict with Iran, fluctuating fuel prices, and Cuba, seamlessly switching between English and Spanish.
This performance sparked the hashtag #Rubio2028 to trend on X.
The contrast with Vance was stark. While Rubio shone in Washington, the Vice President was in Iowa supporting Republican Congressman Zach Nunn. A video of Vance fumbling through his speech and forgetting the name of Nunn's opponent quickly spread on social media.
Support and Endorsements Grow for Rubio
Sarah Longwell, editor at The Bulwark and a facilitator of weekly focus groups with Republican voters, noted in The Atlantic that more participants are leaning towards the Secretary of State. "Although Vance might seem a more natural MAGA heir, many Trump supporters view Rubio as a stabilizing force who outshines many of his peers within the administration, including the Vice President," Longwell observed.
Florida Representative Carlos Giménez echoed this sentiment, praising Rubio: "Marco Rubio is demonstrating to the nation and the world what we've known about him for decades. He is one of the most eloquent, articulate, and incredibly capable statesmen of our times."
In the March 2026 CPAC straw poll, Vance led with 53%, while Rubio surged to 35%, with no other candidate surpassing 2%.
Increasing Approval and Strategic Moves
A December 2025 Gallup poll already placed Rubio with a 41% approval rating, surpassing both Trump (36%) and Vance, making him the only cabinet member among the nation's most highly regarded politicians.
Following his press briefing, the State Department's official account shared a video clip with a campaign-like aesthetic featuring Rubio, Trump, and Ronald Reagan. The White House account reposted his statement on hope in America: "We want it to remain a place where anyone, from anywhere, can achieve anything. Where you are not constrained by the circumstances of your birth, the color of your skin, or your ethnicity."
In March, financial establishment donors began privately backing his 2028 candidacy, and prediction markets quickly favored him that same month.
Upcoming Vatican Visit Amidst Tensions
On Thursday, Rubio is set to visit the Vatican to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace. This will mark the first known meeting between a member of the Trump administration and the pontiff in nearly a year. The visit comes at a time of heightened tension: Trump has repeatedly criticized the pope, accusing him of "endangering many Catholics" due to his stance on Iran and nuclear weapons.
Among the topics on the agenda is Cuba. Rubio mentioned on Tuesday that the U.S. has already distributed six million dollars in humanitarian aid to the island through the Church, and added, "We are prepared to provide more humanitarian aid to Cuba, distributed through the Church."
Meanwhile, Ron DeSantis, another Republican hopeful for 2028, is trailing with only 8% in the polls. A former advisor summed up the situation starkly: "It's JD's race to lose right now. That said, there are a million news cycles between now and a primary, and anything can happen."
Key Questions on Marco Rubio's Political Surge
What factors contributed to Marco Rubio's rise in political momentum?
Marco Rubio's adept handling of a White House press briefing, where he addressed significant issues like the Iran conflict and Cuba, significantly contributed to his rising momentum. His ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish also played a crucial role.
How does Rubio's approval rating compare to other political figures?
As of December 2025, Marco Rubio had an approval rating of 41%, which was higher than both Donald Trump at 36% and JD Vance, highlighting his growing popularity among the nation's most highly regarded politicians.
What is the significance of Rubio's upcoming visit to the Vatican?
Rubio's visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Leo XIV is significant as it marks the first known meeting between a Trump administration member and the pontiff in nearly a year. The visit occurs amidst tensions over the pope's stance on Iran and nuclear weapons, making the meeting crucial.