Vance says ‘there’s a chance’ he won’t run for president in 2028

October 19, 2026 3oliver

Vice President JD Vance (Daniel Heuer-Pool/Getty Images)

Despite leading early polls of potential 2028 Republican presidential candidates, Vice President JD Vance says “there’s a chance” he won’t enter the race.

Speaking during a CBS News town hall Saturday in Flat Rock, Michigan, Vance acknowledged that family considerations could influence whether he seeks to succeed President Donald Trump.

“Of course there’s a chance,” Vance said when asked whether he might sit out the 2028 presidential election.

“We’ve got four little kids, my wife has never loved politics. She loves public service.”

The vice president’s comments came despite his substantial lead in early Republican presidential primary polls.

According to the RealClearPolling average, Vance leads the potential 2028 Republican presidential field with 39% support, 15 percentage points ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, ranks third with 11%.

Trump previously described Vance as his “most likely” successor, although the vice president says he has not decided whether to seek the nomination.

Vance told CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil that he tends to put off major personal decisions.

“The way that I think about life, big life decisions — my wife will tell you this: I’m a procrastinator. I hate thinking about it,” Vance said.

He indicated that he and second lady Usha Vance would discuss their political future more seriously after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

“Whenever it comes up, it’s always let’s figure it out after the midterms,” Vance said.

The couple welcomed their fourth child, Alec, in July. They also have three older children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.

Usha Vance previously acknowledged that she and her husband don’t always share the same political views.

“Sometimes I have thoughts that fit very comfortably into one side or another,” she told NBC News in March. “Sometimes I have views that are way more idiosyncratic.”

She emphasized that she serves as a sounding board for her husband rather than as a political adviser.

During the town hall, Vance faced questions about rising gasoline prices, immigration enforcement, and the Iran war, defending the administration’s policies while acknowledging that Americans continue to face economic challenges.

Vance said his immediate priority is helping Republicans retain control of Congress, including campaigning for former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan’s competitive Senate race.

“We’re really not” discussing 2028, Vance said of conversations with his wife.

“Anything could happen, man.”