Vice President JD Vance is ramping up his political presence, endorsing Republicans up and down the midterm ballot and raking in millions as finance chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Vance’s increased political activity comes as the vice president is seen as a likely front-runner for the 2028 presidential nomination, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Unlike Vance, Rubio is not raising money or campaigning for elected officials, something that political experts say could give the vice president a head start.
“The fundraising and endorsements go hand in hand, and for JD Vance, this is political currency,” GOP strategist Ford O’Connell said. “And when you build up a lot of IOUs, as Vance is currently doing, you know, people will be required to repay the favor, particularly, say, in 2028.”
Vance, for his part, has ignored questions about a possible 2028 run, echoing statements President Donald Trump has made about there still being three years to go for the current administration.
“I think the president is very smartly saying we’ve got three years to go, and how about everybody focuses on the job the American people elected us to do rather than something that is very far in the future,” Vance said during a Fox News interview this week.
This month, Vance has endorsed at least three Republicans running either for Congress or statewide offices this November. He also headlined a fundraising event this week in New York, where he reportedly raised $2 million, and will headline another event in McLean, Virginia, early next month.
This was on top of two other fundraising events last month in Miami and Naples, Florida, that reportedly raised more than $4 million combined. Vance also undertook aggressive fundraising events over the summer in places including Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
“Vice President Vance has been a fundraising powerhouse for the RNC, supercharging our war chest as we head into the midterms,” RNC chairman Joe Gruters told the Washington Examiner in a statement. “He’s held record-breaking events across the country and brought new and longtime donors together with his ability to connect every corner of the America First movement. As we prepare to protect and expand our Republican majorities, Vice President Vance will be a driving force behind the resources, energy, and momentum needed to win.”
In his unique role as both vice president and RNC finance chairman, Vance is in a critical position to be the GOP 2028 presidential front-runner.
GOP strategist Dennis Lennox told the Washington Examiner that Vance’s dual roles as RNC finance chairman and as vice president, in which he is closely tied to Trump’s agenda, could help with “loyalty” and “building a national network.”
“In Republican politics, power flows from two places: the base and the money,” Lennox said. “Vance is demonstrating he can influence both. That’s how you position yourself as the future of the party.”
On Wednesday, the vice president endorsed Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) in the race to succeed Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is running in the Alabama gubernatorial race.
“President Trump needs proven allies in the Senate who will fight for his America First agenda without hesitation,” Vance said. “Barry Moore has been that ally from day one. I’ve personally endorsed Barry’s campaign because I’ve seen his character and commitment firsthand. He’s exactly the kind of fighter President Trump needs in the Senate.”
Earlier in the week, Vance threw his support behind Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), who is seeking reelection to represent Arizona’s 8th Congressional District this year.
“Congressman Abe Hamadeh is a true America First warrior,” Vance said. “He is loyal to the President, the Administration, and the people he represents in Arizona’s Eighth District. I am proud to stand with him. He is tough, relentless, and ready to keep putting America First. I am proud to endorse him for re-election.”
Vance has also endorsed Republican Jay Edwards for treasurer in Ohio, his home state.
“If you want a strong America First conservative who will deliver results for all Ohioans, Jay Edwards is your guy,” Vance wrote on X. “He has my full support.”
Except for Edwards, Vance’s endorsements follow President Donald Trump’s lead, a source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner, possibly indicating Vance’s desire not to get ahead of the president. The endorsement of Edwards was an exception for Vance because of his home-state ties and was approved by the White House, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
Lennox said Vance’s increased public exposure is greater than that usually seen by vice presidents and, in fact, mirrors that of former Republican presidential nominees, who quietly laid the foundation for their campaigns before launching.
“What Vance is doing looks very similar to 2006, when Mitt Romney and John McCain were quietly building campaigns-in-waiting,” Lennox said. “They used endorsements, leadership PACs, and strategic fundraising as a way to lock down loyalty two years before anyone formally announced. The playbook hasn’t changed.”
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However, Lennox added one cautionary note for the vice president.
“Being vice president and RNC finance chairman gives JD Vance a head start,” he said. “It doesn’t guarantee him a coronation.”