JD Vance may skip 2028 presidential race after Trump's midterm setback: Report

Detailed summary

JD Vance is reconsidering a 2028 presidential run as Iran war concerns, Republican losses and divisions within MAGA complicate his political future.

US Vice President JD Vance is seriously considering not running for president in 2028 following the Republican Party's heavy losses in the November 3 midterm elections, CNN reported. Although he has not made a final decision, people close to him say he is questioning whether he should lead the party in the next presidential race.

Vance, 42, was once seen as the leading Republican candidate to succeed President Donald Trump. However, the Iran war, divisions within the MAGA movement and his growing family responsibilities have added to his doubts about entering the race.

People close to the vice president told CNN that he remains committed to rebuilding the political movement that helped Trump win the 2024 election. However, they said he is unsure whether he should be the person leading it into 2028.

“I wouldn’t be surprised by any decision he makes,” one person close to Vance said. “He’s only 42. He’s young enough that he can have a comeback should this environment make success impossible. It just may not be his time.”

A presidential campaign is still possible, and some of his supporters believe he is more likely than not to run.

The ongoing war with Iran is one of the biggest concerns surrounding Vance's political future. His allies believe the conflict could make it difficult for any Republican candidate to win the 2028 election if it continues.

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“The question isn’t if JD can do it. It’s: If the Iran war is still happening, can any Republican do it?” a Vance ally said. “If they don’t end the war in Iran, no Republican has a shot at 2028.”

Vance had privately expressed concerns about military action against Iran before the strikes began. He made his position public on November 4, when he blamed the war for the Republican Party's poor midterm performance in a lengthy post on X.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Hindustan Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.