Republicans Pick Their 2028 Presidential Candidate?

Republican megadonor Ken Griffin indicated Wednesday that he would favor Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Vice President JD Vance in a potential 2028 Republican presidential primary matchup, according to comments made at a private conference. Griffin, one of the GOP’s largest financial supporters, could provide significant backing to Rubio if the secretary of state decides to launch a White House campaign.

Griffin’s remarks highlight a growing divide within the Republican Party as potential 2028 contenders begin to emerge. While some establishment-oriented Republicans have shown support for Rubio, others have rallied around Vance, who has built support among more populist conservatives and has taken a more cautious approach toward U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

The comments came during the invitation-only Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, an annual gathering often referred to as “Billionaire Summer Camp.” Griffin was interviewed by New York Times financial columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin, who asked whether he would support Rubio or Vance if the two faced off in a future GOP primary.

Griffin said he has historically backed Rubio, including during the senator’s unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign, and suggested he would be inclined to support him again. The exchange was brief, and Griffin did not outline any specific plans for financial support or campaign involvement.

Rubio has previously said he would support Vance if the vice president chooses to run in 2028, as Vance is widely viewed as a potential Republican contender for the next presidential race. The issue could create an interesting dynamic if both men ultimately enter the race.

Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, has had a complicated relationship with President Donald Trump and the broader Republican movement. In 2022, he argued that the GOP should look toward a new generation of leaders and said it was time for the party to move beyond Trump. During the 2024 Republican primary, Griffin backed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley instead of Trump and did not contribute to Trump’s campaign.

Since Trump returned to office, Griffin has both praised and criticized parts of the administration’s agenda. He has supported efforts to reduce regulations but has opposed some policies, including tariffs. Last year, he attended a White House dinner with other Wall Street executives.

Griffin also reportedly expressed concerns during Trump’s 2024 vice presidential selection process and urged the former president not to choose Vance as his running mate, adding another layer to the potential rivalry between the two possible 2028 contenders.