Introduction
As the United States prepares for a consequential presidential election cycle in 2028, Republican circles are already abuzz with debate over who will carry the party’s banner after President Donald Trump. Among the early contenders, Vice President J.D. Vance has consistently emerged as a leading figure. His ascent—driven in large part by his role as Republican National Committee (RNC) finance chair—has prompted GOP insiders to label the 40-year-old as the presumptive front-runner.