New numbers show Florida’s political heavyweights face a massive uphill battle that could leave them both on the sidelines

Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis are finding out that it’s JD Vance’s party now.

Both Florida Republicans are struggling to gain traction in early 2028 polling.

And new numbers show Florida’s political heavyweights face a massive uphill battle that could leave them both on the sidelines.

Florida politicians can’t break out of single digits in latest poll

The latest McLaughlin survey has Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Governor Ron DeSantis tied at just 5% in the potential 2028 Republican primary field.

Both men are trailing far behind Vice President JD Vance who dominates the field with 34% support, while Donald Trump Jr. sits comfortably in second place at 15%.

For DeSantis, the numbers represent a troubling downward trend. 

The Florida Governor has seen his support nearly cut in half since December 2024, when he registered 9% in the same poll. 

His ill-fated challenge to Donald Trump in the 2024 primary appears to have damaged his standing with the Republican base.

Rubio, meanwhile, is showing some modest gains. 

The 5% mark represents his best performance yet in McLaughlin’s monthly tracking poll, suggesting his high-profile role in the Trump administration might be slowly building his national support.

If there’s any consolation for Rubio and DeSantis, they can at least look down at their fellow Sunshine State Republican, Senator Rick Scott, who registered just 1% in the same poll. 

The Naples Republican has remained at that level or lower every month since Trump’s election.

Consistent pattern across multiple polls

The McLaughlin numbers aren’t an outlier. 

A recent JL Partners survey found DeSantis at 8% and Rubio at 6%, still far behind Vice President Vance who commanded a dominant 46% in that poll.

The Atlas Intel survey from April showed both Florida Republicans at 9% – their high-water mark in recent polling – but still nowhere near Vance’s commanding 60% support.

An Echelon Insights survey painted a similar picture, with DeSantis and Rubio at 7% and 4% respectively, once again trailing far behind the Vice President.

Political observers note that Vance’s position as Vice President gives him a natural advantage as the perceived heir to the Trump legacy. 

His strong showing across multiple polls suggests Republican voters view him as the logical successor to carry the America First agenda forward after President Trump’s second term ends.

Florida Republicans keeping options open

While neither Rubio nor DeSantis has officially declared interest in a 2028 run, both have carefully avoided ruling it out.

DeSantis told reporters last year that he hasn’t “ruled anything out” and will “see what the future holds.” 

His rapid national rise before his 2024 campaign stumbled suggests he may still harbor White House ambitions.

Rubio’s profile has risen considerably as Secretary of State, where he’s earned praise from President Trump for his handling of international crises and his additional duties as National Archivist and interim National Security Advisor.

With three years until the 2028 primary season begins in earnest, there’s certainly time for the political landscape to shift dramatically. 

However, these early numbers suggest that Florida’s political stars face a daunting challenge if they hope to follow Trump into the White House.

After Trump’s presidency concludes, Republican voters currently appear ready to hand the reins to his Vice President rather than turn to Florida’s political talent pool.