Republicans in Dallas weigh Trump's successor ahead of 2028 race

September 10, 2026 at 08:59 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Republicans gathered in Dallas for a party event on September 9-10 are preparing to welcome President Donald Trump and mobilize supporters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Behind the scenes, discussions are intensifying about the party's future after Trump leaves office and a possible successor for the 2028 presidential race. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are emerging as the leading contenders.

Key Facts

The Republican party event in Dallas is taking place on September 9-10, 2026.
Vice President JD Vance represents the nationalist-populist wing and is seen as a likely successor to Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is considered the main rival, representing a more traditional conservative approach.
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
18 American service members have died in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Succession Debate

Republicans gathered in Dallas are increasingly discussing who will lead the party after Trump's presidency ends. Vice President JD Vance is considered a key contender, with his Thursday speech seen as an early test for the 2028 campaign. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is not scheduled to speak in Dallas, represents the more traditional wing of the party. Georgia Republican National Committee member Amy Kremer stated that these discussions have been ongoing among the electorate because people are divided.

Policy Divisions

The MAGA movement has already changed the party, and there will be no return to the previous course, according to Kremer. After Trump's 2016 victory, Republicans became more skeptical of free trade and emphasized economic nationalism and strict immigration policy. The ongoing conflict with Iran, in which 18 American service members died, contradicts Trump's earlier promises to avoid new foreign wars. Conservative economist Oren Cass believes Republicans may take a harder line on China while making foreign policy more restrained.

Electoral Pressures

Discussions may become public and tense if the November 3 midterm results show weak Republican positions, Reuters notes. High trade tariffs are criticized for contributing to the rising cost of living. A Financial Times poll shows voter trust in Democrats temporarily exceeded trust in Republicans amid inflation and rising prices. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has said there is no unity among Republicans regarding support for Vance and that broad discussions lie ahead.