Washington, D.C., January 21, 2026 — As President Donald Trump completes the first year of his second term, attention is already turning toward the Republican Party’s future leadership. In a report published by The U.S. Sun, John Thomas, Managing Director at Nestpoint, offered a measured assessment of the emerging 2028 Republican presidential field and the forces shaping the succession debate.
The article identifies Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as early frontrunners, while noting that a coronation is far from inevitable in a party known for competitive primaries. Thomas echoed that view, emphasizing that while Vance currently holds structural advantages, the race remains fluid.
“If you had to take a bet now, it’s difficult to see how J.D. is not the Republican nominee,” Thomas said, pointing to Vance’s proximity to major donors, his standing with President Donald Trump, and his outreach to both the party base and the donor class. At the same time, Thomas cautioned that political alignments can shift quickly, particularly if relationships at the top of the party change.
Thomas also warned that Vance’s effectiveness as a vice president could present a strategic challenge in a competitive primary. While describing Vance as capable and loyal, he noted that Republican voters have historically gravitated toward candidates with commanding, larger-than-life political personas. “J.D. is a good, loyal soldier, but I’m not sure that the electorate looks at him just yet as the heir apparent,” Thomas said, characterizing the dynamic as “a blessing and a curse.”
The U.S. Sun report further highlighted Thomas’s assessment of a potential wildcard: Donald Trump Jr.. Thomas suggested that Trump’s eldest son could emerge as a credible contender under certain conditions, particularly if Republicans face setbacks in the upcoming midterm elections and seek a more combative standard-bearer. “You could make an argument that the party has to get back to winning,” Thomas said, adding that such a moment would likely favor “a fighter.”
Thomas contrasted Trump Jr.’s public profile with that of other prospective candidates, noting that his reputation for confrontation and ideological clarity could resonate with voters seeking continuity with President Trump’s political style. “Don Jr.’s whole brand has been to push back,” Thomas said, describing him as a more aggressive advocate of the America First agenda, at least in public perception.
While acknowledging the historical advantages enjoyed by sitting vice presidents, Thomas stressed that Republican primaries rarely follow a predetermined script. Internal competition, shifting political conditions, and voter appetite for leadership style all remain variables as the party looks ahead to 2028. As Thomas noted, the field is still open and “the die is not cast yet.”
The report also cited broader Republican skepticism toward early anointments, reinforcing Thomas’s view that succession within the party is shaped as much by political instinct and timing as by résumé alone.
The analysis appeared in The U.S. Sun’s report “Shadow Battle: Vance & Rubio’s 2028 Face Off Silently Rages as Trump’s First Year Ends, but Another ‘America First Warrior’ Waits in the Wings,” which also featured a video interview with John Thomas. You can view it here.
About Nestpoint
Nestpoint, with a global footprint and a formidable presence in Washington, D.C., is a leading government affairs, finance, and private equity firm. As a strategic ally, Nestpoint transforms challenges into opportunities through its expertise in policy influence, global networks, and financial innovation, delivering customized solutions for sustained client success. Nestpoint advises multibillion-dollar companies in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors as well as foreign nations.
