Vance 2028 buzz growing, but midterms could sting

The buzz surrounding United States Vice-President JD Vance's potential 2028 presidential run has been growing, but his recent visit to Ohio for Republican candidates ahead of the midterms could potentially harm his prospects. Vance, who has yet to officially declare his candidacy, was warmly received by supporters in Lima, Ohio, as he appeared to shift the focus of the event from Republican candidates to himself.

However, several factors could dampen his chances. Polls indicate that Trump's unpopularity, ongoing conflicts in Iran, and the rising cost of living could lead to Republican losses in Congress during the midterms. Ohio, a state Vance once considered a stronghold, is now seen as a tight battleground for the November 3rd election.

Notable Republican contenders for the governorship, like Vivek Ramaswamy, are also challenging for the state. For Trump, losing control of Congress could result in battles with multiple Democrat-led investigations in his final two years, while for Vance, losing Ohio could significantly damage his political brand, built partially on his blue-collar roots in the state.

Despite his statements, Vance considers Ohio's race to be more about how to govern the country in the coming years rather than a 2028 presidential campaign. While he is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Trump, Vance has not made an official announcement yet. Moreover, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ruled out running against Vance, but his recent speech at the Acropolis in Athens was interpreted by some as a campaign for the job.

Vance's visibility has been increasing, with him bringing his family on Air Force Two and raising money through his role as finance chair of the Republican National Committee. Politically, he is attempting to distance himself from the policies of the outgoing president, aligning himself more with the financial concerns of US families.