CNN Analyst: JD Vance Emerges as Clear Frontrunner for 2028 GOP Presidential Nomination

NEW YORK (VINnews)— Vice President JD Vance is dominating early polling for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, drawing a colorful comparison from CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, who likened Vance to racing legend Mario Andretti while dismissing the rest of the field as “going around in go-karts.”

In a segment on “CNN News Central,” Enten highlighted prediction market odds giving Vance a 48% chance of securing the nomination — far ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 12%, with no other potential contender exceeding 5%.

“JD Vance is like Mario Andretti, and Marco Rubio and the rest of the field are like going around in go-karts at this point,” Enten said. “That’s really what we’re looking at: JD Vance is the clear, heavy favorite at this time.”

Enten pointed to a recent New Hampshire poll showing Vance with 51% support among likely Republican primary voters, a 42-point lead over former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley at 9%. He described the figures as “really weird” and historic, noting that Vance is the first non-incumbent vice president — and the only candidate dating back to 1980 polling archives — to surpass 50% in early New Hampshire primary surveys.

“There’s a reason why he’s such a heavy favorite in the prediction market so far, because if you win the GOP primary in New Hampshire, chances are you’re going to be the Republican nominee for president,” Enten said.

The analysis comes as speculation grows about the post-Trump era in the Republican Party, with Vance positioned as a potential heir apparent to President Donald Trump. No formal announcements have been made for the 2028 race, which remains more than two years away.

Enten concluded that Vance is “pulling off something historic” and “way out ahead of the pack.”