Full Breakdown
JD Vance Emerges as Leading Candidate at CPAC Amidst Strong Trump Support
3/30/2026, 12:39:45 PM
Overview of the CPAC Poll Results
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held from March 25–28 in Grapevine, Texas, showcased the enduring influence of President Donald Trump within the conservative movement. A recent poll conducted among over 1,600 attendees revealed that 96% approve of Trump's presidency, with 94% considering him "the best president in my lifetime." Support for Trump's policy agenda remains robust, with 91% backing tariffs aimed at reducing the trade deficit and 89% supporting military action in Iran to address its nuclear program.
JD Vance's Rise in Popularity
Vice President JD Vance emerged as the frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, garnering 53% of the straw poll votes. This marks a decline from his previous year's support of 61%. Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed with 35%, reflecting a notable increase in his backing due to his involvement in foreign policy under Trump. Other potential candidates, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr., received minimal support, each securing only 2%.
Context of the Conference
CPAC, founded in 1964, serves as a significant platform for conservative activists to rally and express their political preferences. This year’s gathering shifted from its traditional location outside Washington, D.C., to Texas, attracting a predominantly Southern audience with an average age of 49. Despite Trump's absence from the event, his policies and leadership style continue to resonate strongly among attendees.
Criticism and Internal Divisions
While the poll indicates strong support for Vance and Rubio, there are signs of division within the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement. Notably, some prominent supporters, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, have distanced themselves from the movement, citing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign wars and other controversies. These internal rifts suggest that while Trump remains a unifying figure, challenges persist within the conservative base.
Official Statements and Responses
CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp emphasized the importance of accessibility for future Republican leaders, stating, “If you want to follow in Trump's footsteps, you have to have these virtues of being available, being quotable, being interactive with media, being interactive with activists.” This sentiment underscores the expectations for candidates seeking to align with Trump's legacy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'If you want to follow in Trump's footsteps, you have to have these virtues of being available, being quotable, being interactive with media, being interactive with activists, being interactive with leaders in the community,' he said.” — Matt Schlapp, CPAC Chairman
Conclusion: Implications for the Future
The results of the CPAC poll indicate a consolidation of support behind JD Vance and Marco Rubio, with no other candidates receiving more than 2% of the vote. As the GOP looks toward the 2028 election, the dynamics within the party will be crucial in shaping its future direction, particularly in light of ongoing divisions and the enduring influence of Donald Trump.
