Vice President JD Vance has notched his first endorsement from a sitting senator for his still-unconfirmed presidential bid, drawing public support from Sen. Jim Banks (R-Indiana) as he increasingly appears poised to launch a campaign.
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Vance has yet to say whether he is running — even as he seemed to enjoy the chants of “48!” while he addressed an arena of Republicans at last week’s midterm convention, in a reference to becoming the country’s 48th president.
Banks’s public support adds to the momentum the vice president appears to be building among Republicans, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio — once seen as his most formidable rival — has made clear he does not intend to run in 2028 if Vance does. Pushback remains from within some factions of the GOP, particularly over Vance’s opposition to the Iran war and his association with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“Vice President JD Vance is the clear choice in 2028 to carry on our America First agenda and I look forward to supporting him,” said Banks, a friend, political ally and former colleague from Vance’s two years as a U.S. senator for Ohio.
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Banks made the remarks in a statement to the Indianapolis Star, explaining why Banks mocked a suggestion by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) that Bacon might run for president in 2028. The senator from Indiana more than a year ago declared, “JD Vance will be the nominee in 2028 — mark my words.”
The pledge of support follows an early endorsement in December from Erika Kirk, the widow of activist Charlie Kirk, who pledged to help get Vance elected president.
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