JD Vance positions himself as Trump’s political heir at Republican convention

Vice President JD Vance positioned himself as a leading figure in the Republican Party’s post-Donald Trump future Thursday, using the second day of the GOP’s midterm convention in Dallas to appeal directly to the president’s political base.

Vance gave a prime-time speech before Trump, emphasising themes of nationalism, immigration, law and order and conservative cultural issues while attacking Democrats as “radicals”. His look sparked speculation he might run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.

Supporters at the convention chanted “48”, a nod to Vance possibly becoming the 48th US president. Vance, however, said Republicans should first focus on winning November’s midterm elections.

Trump has not formally endorsed a successor but in his speech he praised Vance, saying he was a “very talented guy” and had done “very well”.

The convention has put Vance front and centre as Republicans look beyond Trump, who is barred from a third presidential term under the US Constitution. Other possible candidates for 2028 include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Sen. They’re also talking about Ted Cruz.