Souring on Vance, Many Jewish Republicans Rally Behind Rubio for 2028

Many Jewish Republicans have lost confidence in Vice President JD Vance, frustrated by his rebukes of Israeli officials, his indulgence of anti-Israel conspiracy theories, and his silence toward pundit Tucker Carlson, who has turned sharply against Israel. Yet Vance is still widely seen as President Donald Trump's likeliest successor atop the party's 2028 ticket, leaving the pro-Israel base searching for an alternative. A growing number are settling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“The overwhelming majority of American Jewish MAGA voters, donors, and policymakers are enthusiastically supporting a Marco Rubio presidential run,” said activist Shabbos Kestenbaum, who has become a hero among Jewish conservatives for his fight against campus antisemitism. He estimated support for Rubio in those circles at “99 to 1.” A former Florida senator now serving as Trump's top diplomat, Rubio has won admirers with his firm backing of Israel, his hawkish line on Iran, and his vow to dismantle the International Criminal Court, which holds an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Vance's standing has eroded well beyond Jewish circles, with some of Trump's own advisers said to favor Rubio for 2028. Florida Congressman Randy Fine branded Vance's warning to Israeli critics of the failed Iran deal “absolutely inappropriate and frankly disgusting.” Valerie Greenfeld, a Republican Jewish Coalition member now living in Jerusalem, called the remark “incredibly arrogant… because we're partners,” adding that the more Vance aligns himself with figures like Carlson, the more he loses ground with pro-Israel voters. (TOI/VFI News)

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” – Proverbs 29:2