Rubio edges Vance in 2028 matchups with Dems: Poll

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears to fare better against possible Democratic presidential candidates than does Vice President JD Vance, a recent survey has found.

The latest Emerson College survey tested several hypothetical presidential races, pitting Vance and Rubio against Democratic heavyweights, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Against Buttigieg, Vance and Rubio both earned 44% support to Buttigieg's 49%. Both Republicans earned the same level of support against Ossoff, though the Democrat earned 49% support against Vance and only 47% against Rubio. A Vance vs. Harris match saw him earn 45% to her 49%, while Rubio vs. Harris was 48% to 43%, respectively.

Rubio managed to handily defeat AOC, earning 48% support to her 43%. Vance, meanwhile, still outperformed her, but by a narrower, 46% to 44% margin.

The survey's margin of error of +/- 3% means that the difference in performance between the two Republicans is still statistically comparable.

The results come as Republicans gear up for the 2028 presidential election, with Vance as the presumptive frontrunner. Speculation has abounded that Rubio could take the top of the ticket, but the pair seem to have a strong relationship and neither have actually announced their intent to run for the office.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.