A recent straw poll conducted at Turning Point USA’s America Fest revealed a striking preference among conservative attendees for the 2028 presidential nomination. Vice President J.D. Vance emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner, capturing a remarkable 84.2% of the vote.
The results, released by Charlie Kirk show producer Blake Neff, showcased a significant level of support for Vance, exceeding even the backing Donald Trump received in a similar poll two years prior. This indicates a potential shift in the conservative landscape and a clear signal of enthusiasm for Vance’s leadership.
Trailing far behind Vance were Marco Rubio, who secured 4.8% of the vote, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with 2.9%. The substantial gap highlights Vance’s commanding position within the movement, suggesting a strong base of support ready to rally behind his potential candidacy.
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet described the outcome as a definitive statement, asserting that “the movement is all-in for J.D. Vance in 2028,” achieving the highest level of support in the history of their polls. This level of unified backing is rarely seen so early in a presidential cycle.
Beyond the presidential preferences, the poll also gauged opinions on members of the current administration. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth received the highest approval rating at 83.3%, followed by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 80.8% and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 78.6%.
Attendees also weighed in on international alliances, with 33.3% identifying Israel as the United States’ top ally. A majority, 53.4%, viewed Israel as a valuable ally among many, while a small minority, 13.3%, considered Israel not an ally at all. This demonstrates a continued, though nuanced, support for the U.S.-Israel relationship within the conservative base.
The America Fest poll provides a fascinating snapshot of the conservative movement’s current priorities and potential future direction. The overwhelming support for J.D. Vance signals a possible realignment and a strong contender emerging for the 2028 Republican nomination.
