While many see Vice President-elect JD Vance as the likely successor to President-elect Donald Trump in 2028, the Republican National Committee (RNC) affirms its commitment to neutrality in the upcoming presidential primaries. RNC Chair Michael Whatley, in a recent interview, confirmed this stance, highlighting the party's diverse and strong field of potential candidates.

President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance at the Army-Navy football game (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Donald Trump Jr., a prominent figure within the MAGA movement and a strong Vance supporter, has publicly predicted a future with "four more years of Trump and then eight years of JD Vance." This sentiment reflects the widespread belief that Vance, bolstered by Trump's endorsement and the unwavering support of the MAGA base, holds a significant advantage in the 2028 race.

Experienced Republican strategists like Dave Carney and David Kochel acknowledge Vance's front-runner status. Carney describes Vance as "the guy to beat," while Kochel attributes Vance's position to the magnitude of Trump's recent electoral victories and the perceived "passing of the torch." However, Kochel also anticipates a competitive primary, stating that while Vance benefits from Trump's influence, "nobody will completely defer to JD Vance. There will be a contest."

Vice President-elect Vance speaking at a campaign rally (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Whatley expressed enthusiasm about the depth of Republican leadership, citing the numerous governors, senators, and House members who have been actively involved in recent campaigns. He emphasized the breadth of the "America First" movement, stating that while Trump leads the charge, the movement itself extends far beyond any single individual.

Whatley describes the Republican Party as the "working-class party" under Trump's leadership (Peter Kramer/NBC via Getty Images)

Whatley also highlighted Trump's reshaping of the Republican Party, transforming it into a party that actively engages with a broader range of voters and addresses their concerns. This, he believes, positions the party for continued success in 2028.

Regarding the 2028 primary calendar, Whatley indicated no current plans for significant changes, contrasting the RNC's approach with the Democratic National Committee's recent alterations. He expressed satisfaction with the existing schedule, which retains Iowa and New Hampshire as the first two contests, while acknowledging the possibility of future discussions.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley during an interview with Fox News Digital (Fox News - Paul Steinhauser)