White House insiders have identified Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a rising force in the race for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. A Politico report published Friday highlighted Rubio's growing stature among Trump advisers, crediting his handling of foreign policy challenges and loyalty to President Donald Trump.

Rubio placed second in the recent Conservative Political Action Conference straw poll conducted over the March 27-29 weekend, earning 35% support among attendees, up dramatically from 3% the previous year. Vice President JD Vance led with 53%, down slightly from 61% last year but still dominant. Other candidates trailed in single digits. A Yale Youth Poll from March 9-23 showed Vance at 43% and Rubio at 17% among Republicans, well ahead of figures like Donald Trump Jr. at 9% and Ron DeSantis at 6%.

Rubio's ascent stems from his roles as Secretary of State and National Security Council head. He has overseen U.S. operations in Venezuela that deposed Nicolas Maduro, coordinated strikes on Iranian-linked drug operations, and revoked visas for nationals tied to adversarial regimes. Trump has called Rubio potentially "the greatest secretary of state in history" and suggested a Vance-Rubio ticket would be "unstoppable."

Insiders praise Rubio's evolution. Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz noted Rubio "chose the route of embracing MAGA and becoming one of MAGA’s staunchest allies." A senior White House official described him as "loyal, wicked smart, articulate and very seasoned... a winner." Rubio has pledged support for Vance, stating, "If JD Vance runs for president, he's going to be our nominee, and I'll be one of the first people to support him." Vance called Rubio "my closest friend in the administration."

Once a 2016 primary rival mocked as "Little Marco" by Trump, Rubio rebuilt their alliance. Trump passed him over for vice president in favor of Vance but nominated him for State. With Trump term-limited, the 2028 field is taking shape early amid ongoing foreign conflicts.

Vance remains the frontrunner, but Rubio's gains signal a competitive primary ahead.