Tough times may lie ahead for Marco Rubio as another Republican signals interest in the 2028 presidential race, adding to a growing list of potential contenders.
Sen. Rand Paul said he is considering a bid and described his chances of running as “50-50,” with a decision expected after the 2026 midterm elections.
Paul of Kentucky said he is considering a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. In a preview of an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Paul stated the odds of running are about even.
“We’re thinking about it. I would say 50-50,” he said. He added that he will decide after the 2026 midterm elections.
Paul, first elected to the Senate in 2010, ran for president in 2016 but dropped out after the Iowa caucuses. His father, Ron Paul, sought the Republican nomination in 2008 and 2012 and ran as a Libertarian in 1988.
In the interview, Paul spoke about shifts in the Republican Party. He noted a decline in the free market and libertarian side of the party. Paul said he often stands alone in the Senate in support of free trade.
He suggested that business interests opposed to protectionism could combine with libertarian voters to push for a different direction away from populism.
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Paul Breaks with Trump on Several Issues
Paul has differed with President Donald Trump on some policy matters. He voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. He backed efforts to limit presidential war powers on Iran.
He also voted against confirming Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to lead the Department of Homeland Security. During the confirmation process, Paul questioned Mullin about past comments tied to a 2017 dispute in which Paul was injured.
These positions come as the Republican Party prepares for the post-Trump era. Speculation has grown about who will seek the nomination in 2028, with names including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio frequently mentioned in early discussions.
Rubio Faces Growing Field of Potential Rivals
Rubio, now serving as secretary of state, has drawn attention as a possible contender for 2028. Reports have noted donor interest and informal polling within Republican circles that have included his name alongside Vance. Paul’s comments add another name to the list of Republicans open to running.
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Paul said there used to be a stronger free market and libertarian wing in the party. “In fact, on many days, it’s me in the Senate, the only one left for free trade,” he said. He pointed to possible support from business groups that oppose protectionism.
Why This Matters
Paul’s openness to a 2028 run highlights divisions within the Republican Party over trade, foreign policy, and the direction after the current administration. His past breaks with Trump on issues like war powers and spending show that not all Republicans align on every priority.
For Rubio, the emergence of another potential candidate like Paul means a wider field if he chooses to seek the nomination. With the 2026 midterms still ahead, the early signals point to a competitive process to define the party’s future path.
