JD Vance weighs skipping 2028 presidential run after midterm losses: report

US Vice President JD Vance is seriously considering sitting out the 2028 presidential race after Republicans’ heavy losses in the November 3 midterm elections, according to people close to him cited by CNN.

CNN reported, citing roughly a dozen allies and advisers, that Vance has given serious consideration to forgoing a White House bid.

While he has not made a final decision or set a timeline, and some allies still view a run as more likely than not, those around him describe a vice president torn between political ambitions, a fracturing MAGA coalition, and the demands of fatherhood after the birth of a fourth child over the summer.

The midterms delivered a sweeping setback for Republicans, with Democrats flipping seven Senate seats—including Vance’s former seat in Ohio—and making major gains in the House.

Allies say the results have scrambled calculations about whether any Republican can win the presidency in 2028, particularly if the unpopular war with Iran continues.

One ally told CNN: “The question isn’t if JD can do it. It’s: If the Iran war is still happening, can any Republican do it? If they don’t end the war in Iran, no Republican has a shot at 2028.”

Another said: “I wouldn’t be surprised by any decision he makes. He’s only 42. He’s young enough that he can have a comeback should this environment make success impossible. It just may not be his time.”

The morning after the election, Vance posted a lengthy message on X blaming the war for the losses, writing that “the reason we lost is the war” and calling for a refocus on domestic priorities.

The post reportedly irritated President Donald Trump privately.

Trump later said publicly of Vance: “Maybe he won’t run. I don’t know who’s going to run.”

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project and a Vance backer, said the field “has been blown open” and that there is no clear heir apparent, while adding he would be surprised if the vice president did not ultimately run.

Other potential contenders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have drawn early interest from some donors.

Vance had previously indicated he would reassess after the midterms and has said there is “a chance” he never runs, citing his young family.