Sure, we have three more years before the end of President Donald Trump’s second term, but that’s not stopping the right from plotting on his replacement. We previously told you the president’s age and Constitutional-bound term limit will put the GOP in a peculiar spot come 2028, and if Trump is gone, that leaves an empty spot for MAGA to fill at the very top.
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These 13 MAGA Republicans are all close allies to the president, which means they are more than likely front runners to replace him soon. But while some folks on this list might be obvious choices, others like S.C. Tim Scott and Tulsi Gabbard still have what it takes to lead their party once Trump’s time is up. Just take a look…
JD Vance
The most obvious successor to Trump’s MAGA empire is Vice President JD Vance. But as the president’s second-in-command, Vance hasn’t done much to separate himself from Trump’s shadows. He rarely goes against Trump and has become a key Republican willing to fight against Democrats. Vance told USA Today he’s prepared to become president if “God forbid” something “terrible” were to happen to Trump, and he has the support within his party and from influential investors like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and venture capitalist Peter Thiel.
Marjorie Taylor Greene
When Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped onto the scene, she was a strong ally of Trump. But after disagreements on the Epstein files, Trump’s Big Beautiful Big Act and more, Greene has bumped heads with many Republicans, including the president himself. Still, Greene is an appealing alternative to the current MAGA state. She previously said MAGA has “turned its back on America First, and the workers and just regular Americans.” Now, she might have the chance to rise through the ranks of her party.
Marco Rubio
Folks have been eyeing Secretary of State Marco Rubio since he ran against Trump in 2016. After becoming part of Trump’s cabinet this time around, Rubio has been put in charge of major international issues, including the Gaza peace talks, bombing Iran and controversial cuts to foreign aid, the Washington Post reported. Rubio hasn’t made any decisions on whether he’ll run again for office come 2028, but Trump has flirted with the idea of making him a successor. “Marco’s great,” Trump said. “I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” he continued referring to Vance and Rubio.
Donald Trump Jr.
As the oldest son of President Trump, Donald Trump Jr. could carry on his father’s name and legacy. But unlike others on this list, Trump Jr.’s role as the potential head of MAGA would be largely shaped by his ability to be the face and voice of the movement. Folks wouldn’t look to him for political leadership. Instead, the 47-year-old would have to convince MAGA supporters that he can be the controversial icon that his father is today.
Tim Scott
S.C. Sen. Tim Scott’s plans for 2028 are unclear, but as one of the most respected Black Republicans in his party, Scott could be a possible contender to progress MAGA forward. Trump has praised Scott in the past, and the congressmen was also in the running to become Trump’s VP back in 2024. Unlike Trump, Scott’s politics are less divisive, which could work in favor for the GOP.
Ron DeSantis
You don’t have to live in Florida to know the power that Gov. Ron DeSantis has within the GOP. DeSantis is a conservative MAGA Republican who previously served three terms in Congress. He was elected governor in 2018 with Trump’s endorsement. DeSantis even faced off against the president in the Republican presidential primary. He is currently up for reelection in his state.
Ted Cruz
Before Trump won the Republican nomination in 2016, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was regarded as Trump’s fiercest opponent. Cruz is well-respected within his party, and he’s not afraid to call out politicians– Democrats and Republicans alike– who go against Trump. MAGA supporters see Cruz as the president’s ally, a position that could possibly put him high on the long list of folks gunning for Trump’s spot.
Kristi L. Noem
The president once considered choosing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be his vice president. Then, she was just the governor of South Dakota. Now, Noem has been left in charge of carrying out Trump’s deportation agenda, a policy which has been heavily criticized by most of the country. Still, Noem has become the face of the mass deportation movement, as the policies are some of Trump’s most popular.
Glenn Youngkin
Va. Gov. Glenn Youngkin helped improved President Trump’s voting margins during the 2024 election. Although Trump still lost the state to former Vice President Kamala Harris, Youngkin’s pull in Virginia proved that he knows how to rally his own constituents for a cause. An Emerson College poll showed Youngkin has a 58 percent approval rating in Virginia. The state has since chosen a new governor to take over once the term-limited Republican out of office. That leaves Youngkin free and open for his next political adventure.
Tulsi Gabbard
She was once a Democratic, even running for president in 2020 against Trump. But in true MAGA fashion, once Trump began making promises, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard changed her tune and shifted to the MAGA right, according to PBS. The veteran and first Hindu woman elected to Congress doesn’t have a strong background in intelligence, but Trump certainly didn’t come from a political background either. Given her attacks on former President Barack Obama and willingness to defend Trump about the Epstein files, Gabbard is seen as a true MAGA leader, and given the fact that she’s a woman, the former congresswoman could be an interesting pick to replace Trump.
Greg Abbott
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been a key figure in his party since 2015 when he first got into office. Over the last 10 years, the Republican has became the face of the Lone Star state– one of the biggest states in the country. When it comes down to issues like the southern border, Abbot has aligned closely with President Trump. MAGA folks see him as a true Republican, who has the knowledge and experience to advance their party.
Vivek Ramaswamy
In 2024, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy dropped out of the Republican presidential primary to endorse Trump, and ever since then, he’s been putting in work to secure his slice of the MAGA pie. Ramaswamy partnered with Tesla CEO Elon Musk to head DOGE under Trump’s administration. Although the Indian-American stepped down from his position this year, he’s already made plans to run for governor in his home state of Ohio. If he continues on this path, Ramaswamy could be the underdog that shockingly inherits Trump’s MAGA empire.
Josh Hawley
Even though Trump has been heavily criticized for neglecting working class people, many MAGA supporters still see him as a voice for working people. On a smaller scale, Mo. Sen. Josh Hawley is another Republican that working class Americans feel confident in. Not only this, but Hawley has a history of reaching across the aisle to Democrats to pass historic legislation. Although he’s not the flashiest MAGA candidate, the 45-year-old could emerge as a tactic choice with Republicans in MAGA looking to slowly make peace with the other side.
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