Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pushing back against speculation that he may seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, saying he is not currently planning to run while leaving open the possibility of a future campaign.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I have no plans at this time,” Rubio told Colombian broadcaster RCN, according to NBC News.
“I’m not a candidate for anything right now. I’m 100 percent focused on my job, and I have to be because I have two jobs,” Rubio added. He also serves as President Donald Trump’s interim national security adviser.
A person familiar with the matter told NBC News that Rubio recently said privately that he does not intend to run in 2028, while emphasizing that he is enjoying his current position and remains open to future possibilities.
“Rubio loves being secretary of state and is really enjoying the job,” the person said. “The president trusts him to have a big portfolio. He is still young, and smart in both policy and politics, and is keeping his options open for the future.”
“If you asked him if he’s interested in 2032 or 2036, he would probably say sure,” the person added.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
As Republicans look toward the post-Trump era, early speculation has focused largely on Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. If Rubio decides not to seek the nomination in 2028, Vance would have a clearer path toward the Republican nomination.
A person close to Vance said the vice president plans to consider a presidential campaign after the 2026 midterm elections, though that does not mean he will immediately decide or announce whether he will run.
Neither Rubio nor Vance has publicly committed to a 2028 campaign. Trump has repeatedly praised both men and has even tested the crowd’s reaction to the possibility of them competing against each other.
“You look at Marco, you look at JD Vance, who’s fantastic,” Trump said in May 2025 when asked who could carry the MAGA movement forward. “I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here.”
At a Rose Garden event, Trump asked attendees who supported Vance and who supported Rubio. Both men received applause.
Trump later floated the possibility of the two joining forces on a presidential ticket.
“By the way, I do believe that’s a dream team, but these are minor details,” Trump said to laughter. “That does not mean you have my endorsement under any circumstance.”
Trump has previously described Vance as the leading contender to carry the Republican Party forward in 2028, while also mentioning Rubio as a potential running mate. Rubio has said in the past that he would support Vance if the vice president seeks the presidency.
Rubio previously ran for the Republican nomination in 2016, but withdrew after losing to Trump in his home state of Florida. He later backed Trump.
A son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio entered the Senate in 2010 and served there until 2025, when he was confirmed as secretary of state by a 99-0 Senate vote.
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