Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are locked in a tight race for support among Republican primary voters for the 2028 presidential nomination, according to a new Emerson College Polling survey.

The poll found Vance backed by 36% of Republican primary voters, while Rubio received 35% support. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley each drew just 5%, with 15% of respondents undecided.

The results represent a major shift from Emerson’s February survey, when Vance held a commanding 52% to 20% lead over Rubio. Rubio has made significant gains among older Republicans, leading voters age 50 and older 41% to 35%. Vance maintains an advantage with voters under 50, leading Rubio 37% to 26%.

Neither Vance nor Rubio has announced plans to run in 2028. Vance, a former Ohio senator, joined Trump on the successful 2024 ticket. Rubio, who once competed against Trump in the 2016 primaries before becoming a close ally, currently serves as Secretary of State.

The early poll provides an initial glimpse into the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party as it prepares for the post-Trump era.