The Republican Party is searching for a successor to Trump.
American Republicans gathered in Dallas, Texas, to show support for President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections. However, behind the calls for unity lies a major issue: Who will inherit the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement once Trump leaves office?
In the hallways and meeting rooms of the convention center in downtown Dallas, two names were constantly mentioned: Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio – the two leading candidates to lead the Republican Party into the post-Trump era.
Mr. Trump, 80 years old, remains the most powerful figure in the Republican Party and has not publicly chosen a successor. However, the US Constitution does not allow him to run for a third presidential term. Therefore, the upcoming midterm elections are seen as a crucial test for those who can best protect his achievements and aspire to inherit his political legacy after he leaves politics.
“I think the race will be between Rubio and Vance,” said Susan Kokinda, 77, a conservative podcaster from Michigan. She even envisioned the two running on the same ticket.
Vice presidentVance is dominant.
Vice President JD Vance appears to have an early advantage. A Focal Data poll for the Financial Times in August showed 42% of Republican voters surveyed supporting Vance, significantly higher than Rubio's 18%. However, other surveys suggest the gap between the two is not as wide.
Trump also fueled speculation by calling the possibility of Vance and Rubio running on the same ticket a "dream team," but he hasn't officially endorsed either of them.
Vance's supporters see him as the most natural successor to the MAGA movement. At 42, Vance is considerably younger than Rubio, has close ties to the party's grassroots, and aligns with the populist-nationalist economic trend increasingly shaping the Republican Party.
“He’s the person closest to the President,” commented Tom Hoffman Jr., 62, a New York businessman attending the convention. According to him, Vance has proven his competence as both a running mate and vice president.
Foreign MinisterRubio has a different color.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 55, offers a different option. The former Florida senator has become a key figure in the Trump administration's foreign policy. Rubio's supporters value his experience, presentation skills, and what is perceived as a more moderate and professional political style.
Kyle Hermann, a 29-year-old teacher from California, praised Rubio's "charm and wit," and hoped that if the two were to enter a preliminary match, they could still maintain a good relationship and not hurt each other.
However, Rubio has repeatedly downplayed the likelihood of him running for president again. And the race to succeed Trump is certainly limited to these two people.
Senator Ted Cruz, who faced Trump in the 2016 primary, is making increasingly clear moves toward a new campaign, including frequent trips to Iowa and contact with potential supporters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, although he has completely denied considering a run. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump Jr., and several others remain on the list of names being discussed in broader debates.
The battle isn't just about choosing the right people.
What makes this succession story particularly complicated is that Republican voters ultimately don't just have to choose a candidate. They have to decide which version of "Trumpism" they want to uphold.
However, for some delegates, none of the leading candidates could completely replace Trump. Vance is closely tied to the populist-nationalist wing of the party, while Rubio is seen as closer to the Republican tradition in foreign policy and international alliances.
The conflict with Iran, tariffs, and Trump's broader approach to interfering in international affairs have exposed tensions within the coalition. These disagreements could intensify if Republicans perform poorly in the November election, at a time when Trump's approval ratings and voter frustration over the cost of living threaten the party's majority in Congress.
Despite the discussions about his successor, some activists in Dallas are not yet ready to abandon Trump; they affirm that they will continue to support him in 2028 if he is allowed to run for a third term.
