CPAC straw poll reveals who conservatives believe will be 2028 presidential nominee

The Rise of JD Vance: Conservatives See Him as the Future of the Republican Party

The 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has provided a glimpse into the mindset of conservative voters, and the results are clear: Vice President JD Vance is emerging as the top choice to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in the 2028 election cycle. A straw poll conducted at the conference revealed that Vance, who is widely seen as the political heir to former President Donald Trump, is the preferred candidate among attendees. Pollster Jim McLaughlin, president of McLaughlin & Associates, announced the results at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, emphasizing that Vance’s close association with Trump is a key factor in his popularity. "He’s viewed as the closest thing to Donald Trump," McLaughlin explained, highlighting why Vance resonates so strongly with conservative voters.

The straw poll, which surveyed over 1,000 CPAC attendees, has historically been a reliable indicator of conservative sentiment. In previous years, it accurately predicted Trump’s victories in the 2024 primary and general elections. This year, the poll not only underscored Vance’s rising star but also reflected the continued dominance of Trump within the conservative movement. Despite being in the early stages of his second term, Trump’s influence remains unparalleled, with many seeing Vance as the natural successor to his political legacy.

Donald Trump’s Enduring Popularity: A Unifying Force for Conservatives

Donald Trump’s approval ratings among conservatives remain staggeringly high, with the CPAC straw poll showing that 99% of respondents approve of his performance since taking office. This level of support is unprecedented, even for a figure as polarizing and influential as Trump. McLaughlin described the results as "amazing," noting that he has never seen such unity within the conservative movement. "We’ve never seen numbers like this," he remarked. "We’ve never seen anybody unite the conservative movement the way Donald Trump has done this."

The poll also revealed that 99% of attendees believe Trump’s second administration is performing better than his first, a testament to his ability to maintain and even increase his base’s enthusiasm. Additionally, 99% of respondents expressed strong support for Congress rapidly passing Trump’s agenda, indicating a desire for swift and decisive action. These numbers underscore Trump’s continued dominance over the Republican Party and his ability to energize the conservative base.

A Visionary Approach: Trump’s National Security and Economic Alliance with Greenland

One of the more unexpected aspects of the straw poll was the overwhelming support for Trump’s proposal to establish a national security and economic alliance with Greenland. A staggering 93% of respondents approved of the idea, with McLaughlin describing it as a "very good idea" that "just makes sense for economic reasons, for national security reasons." The pollster also noted that Trump’s vision is gaining traction internationally, with European allies expressing interest in the potential alliance. This proposal, like many of Trump’s initiatives, reflects his unconventional approach to diplomacy and his willingness to think outside the box.

Trump’s ability to propose innovative solutions to global challenges is part of what makes him so appealing to conservatives. His administration has been working at a breakneck pace to implement its agenda, focusing on curbing federal overspending and addressing potential fraud and mismanagement. These efforts, combined with his bold foreign policy ideas, have solidified his position as a leader who is unafraid to challenge the status quo.

The Conservative Movement’s Unified Vision for the Future

The results of the CPAC straw poll also highlight the conservative movement’s unified vision for the future. Attendees expressed near-unanimous support for Trump’s agenda, with 99% agreeing that his administration’s first few weeks have been the best for the modern conservative movement in decades. This level of consensus is rare in politics, and it speaks to the deep connection Trump has forged with his base. McLaughlin summed up the sentiment, stating, "You guys knew he was going to win the primary. You all knew that he was going to win the general election, no matter what the Democrats threw at us."

This sense of unity is crucial as conservatives look ahead to the 2028 election. With Vance emerging as the potential standard-bearer for the Republican Party, the movement appears to be coalescing around a leader who embodies the same populist and nationalist ideals that propelled Trump to victory. The challenge for Vance and other Republican hopefuls will be to maintain this momentum while addressing the evolving needs and concerns of conservative voters.

Looking Ahead to 2028: Conservatives Gear Up for the Next Election

As the 2028 election cycle approaches, conservatives are already gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal contest. The CPAC straw poll has provided an early indication of where the Republican Party is headed, with JD Vance poised to carry the torch for the Trump movement. While the election is still years away, the enthusiasm and unity evident at CPAC suggest that conservatives are ready to do whatever it takes to ensure their candidates’ success.

The next few years will be critical in shaping the direction of the Republican Party. As Trump’s influence continues to loom large, figures like Vance will need to navigate the complexities of maintaining their own political identities while staying true to the principles that define the Trump-era GOP. The conservative movement’s ability to adapt and evolve will be key to its success in 2028 and beyond.

Conclusion: A Conservative Movement United and Ready for the Future

The 2025 CPAC straw poll has sent a clear message: the conservative movement is united, energized, and ready for the future. With JD Vance emerging as the heir apparent to Donald Trump and the former president’s approval ratings at historic highs, the Republican Party appears to be in a strong position as it looks ahead to the 2028 election. Trump’s enduring popularity and his administration’s aggressive pursuit of conservative priorities have set the stage for a new generation of leaders like Vance to take the reins.

As conservatives continue to rally behind their shared vision for America, the coming years will be shaped by their ability to maintain this momentum and translate it into electoral success. The CPAC straw poll is just the beginning, but it underscores the excitement and optimism that define the conservative movement today. With Trump’s legacy as their foundation and leaders like Vance poised to lead the charge, conservatives are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.