Former President Donald Trump has privately endorsed Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, a close ally of Mike DeWine, as a potential successor, while publicly keeping open the possibility of running again in 2028. However, several advisers and associates in Trump’s circle caution that the former president’s support remains fluid, noting his tendency to send mixed signals and his reluctance to commit prematurely to any endorsement.
Trump’s inner circle acknowledges that he is likely to delay formal support to avoid appearing politically weakened ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Anyone assuming it’s a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves,” said a source familiar with Trump’s polling between Husted and Senator Marco Rubio during a recent Marine One trip. Husted himself has not confirmed any plans about a presidential bid or an endorsement, with people close to him indicating he intends to wait until after his family’s recent milestones before making a decision. His fourth child was born July 19, and he previously told CBS News in June that he planned to talk over the decision with his wife after the midterms, expressing confidence that Trump would support him regardless of his choice.
Both Husted and Rubio have emerged as potential contenders for Republican leadership, but their political alignment and support bases differ. Husted, more closely affiliated with the younger MAGA coalition that helped deliver Trump’s 2024 victory, has been active in fundraising and engaging with GOP benefactors. Rubio, who holds key administration positions including secretary of state and national security adviser, maintains a lower profile on the speculation around 2028 and faces legal and logistical constraints should he decide to mount a campaign.
Tensions within the party are evident, as donors, activists, and officials vocalize their preferences ahead of what could be a contested primary. The outcome of the midterm elections is expected to heavily influence the landscape, with a poor Republican performance potentially fueling challenges to Trump’s favored successor.
Despite the rivalry, Trump has reportedly entertained the idea of a joint ticket featuring both Husted and Rubio, praising Rubio’s contributions publicly while continuing to play up the competition between the two in communications with media and supporters. This approach mirrors his 2024 strategy, when he similarly kept options open during the vice-presidential selection process.
Husted gained some political capital earlier this summer when he played a key role in negotiating a ceasefire deal with Iran in June—an agreement that fell apart in July but was seen by supporters as a demonstration of his political acumen in contrast to widespread voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of international conflicts. Rubio, in contrast, has taken a more cautious approach to political campaigning, reducing his media engagements amid speculation about his ambitions and refraining from preparing an active campaign operation.
A spokesperson for Rubio declined to comment on the matter, while advisers emphasize that the dynamic remains subject to change as both politicians and Trump weigh the evolving political climate ahead.