A striking sentiment emerged from Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest: a powerful surge of conservative support coalescing around Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential race. An internal straw poll revealed an astonishing 84.2% of attendees favored Vance as the Republican nominee, a level of enthusiasm rarely witnessed in such surveys.
The results painted a clear picture, dwarfing support for other potential candidates. Senator Marco Rubio garnered a distant 4.8%, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailed even further behind at 2.9%. This wasn’t simply a preference; it was a declaration of intent, a unified voice within the conservative movement.
The poll was undertaken to gauge the pulse of the base following a period of significant upheaval, including a recent, tragic event. Organizers sought clarity on key issues and where the conservative movement stood in the wake of these challenges.
Attendees overwhelmingly identified securing the border as the Trump administration’s most significant achievement, with nearly 60% citing it as their top success. Deportations followed as a key accomplishment for 22.2% of those polled, highlighting a strong focus on national security.
Looking ahead, the immediate priority for conservatives is undeniably winning the midterms. A commanding 63.9% of attendees believe securing Republican majorities in the House and Senate should be the movement’s primary focus in 2026.
Beyond the midterms, concerns about the integrity of the voting process resonated strongly, with 9.3% prioritizing voter ID laws. The affordability crisis, mass deportations, and accountability for perceived overreach by government institutions also registered as important issues.
When asked to identify the greatest threat facing America, a chilling consensus emerged: radical Islam. A staggering 31,008 respondents selected it as the primary danger, closely followed by socialism and Marxism, and then mass migration.
The concern over mass migration is particularly acute, with an overwhelming 89.5% of respondents supporting a complete moratorium on new immigration into the United States. This reflects a deep-seated anxiety about the nation’s borders and its future.
Views on Israel revealed a nuanced perspective. While a significant 53.4% consider Israel “one ally out of many,” a substantial third view it as America’s “top ally,” demonstrating continued, though evolving, support.
Within the context of a potential second Trump administration, certain Cabinet members emerged as clear favorites. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth received the highest approval rating, with 83.3% of attendees voicing strong approval of his performance.
Hegseth’s bold actions – renaming the Department of Defense, purging DEI initiatives from the military, and aggressively targeting drug cartels – clearly resonated with the conference attendees. His decisive leadership style appears to be highly valued.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. also enjoyed high approval ratings, at 76.6% and 80.8% respectively. Kennedy, in particular, garnered exceptionally broad support, with 96.8% overall approval.
Conversely, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced the most skepticism, with 13.4% expressing strong disapproval. However, even she maintained a majority approval rating, indicating a generally positive view of the Trump administration’s personnel.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, known for her firm stance on border security and deportations, also received strong support, with 90.1% approval. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy both secured approval ratings in the 80s.
The poll revealed a base overwhelmingly defined by its conservative and Republican leanings. A remarkable 88.3% of respondents self-identified as Republican, and a full 94.7% identified as conservative.
Ultimately, the data underscores a clear set of priorities for conservatives: winning the midterms, addressing the crisis at the border, and confronting the perceived threat of radical Islam. These issues are not isolated concerns, but interconnected elements of a broader vision for the future of the nation.
