Kayleigh McEnany urged Republicans to avoid early endorsements and preserve a competitive 2028 primary, arguing that intra-party contests strengthen candidates. Her comments followed an endorsement for Vice President J.D. Vance by Erika Kirk at TPUSA’s AmericaFest, which McEnany said could give Vance an early advantage. Democrats have gained momentum after 2025 wins, and a recent poll showed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading Vance by two points in a hypothetical matchup. Several prominent Republicans are being discussed as possible 2028 contenders, and President Trump has not made a definitive early endorsement.
McEnany Urges GOP To Keep 2028 Primary Competitive: "It Makes You Tougher"
Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Friday urged Republican leaders to avoid early endorsements in the 2028 presidential contest and preserve a genuinely competitive primary process.
Speaking with Fox News host Martha MacCallum, McEnany — who served during the final year of President Trump’s first term — argued that a contested nomination strengthens candidates and the party overall.
“I think it’s very important that the Republican Party have a competitive primary. It makes you tougher,” McEnany said.
Why McEnany Wants a Competitive Primary
McEnany compared the GOP’s potential approach to the Democratic Party’s rapid consolidation in 2024, saying the lack of a broad primary weakened the left. “We see how much weaker, in my opinion, the left was by not having a primary,” she added. She reiterated her hope that Republicans will allow multiple voices to compete ahead of 2028.
Early Endorsements and the Vance Boost
Her comments came after Erika Kirk, executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and wife of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced an early endorsement for Vice President J.D. Vance at TPUSA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix.
“We’re going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years. We are going to get my husband’s friend, J.D. Vance, elected for [48th president] in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk said at the conference.
McEnany acknowledged that high-profile endorsements can give a candidate a valuable early advantage, telling Fox News that such backing provides a “leg up” in a crowded field.
Political Landscape and Polling
Democrats have seen momentum after key victories in 2025 races, with a message focused on the economy and affordability. That progress has raised concern among some GOP lawmakers as Republicans — including President Trump — have experienced slipping poll numbers in certain measures.
A recent poll cited in reports showed Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) ahead of Vice President Vance by two points in a hypothetical matchup, though neither figure has announced a 2028 campaign.
Potential Republican Field
Observers list several possible Republican contenders for 2028, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul.
Vance has pushed back on reports of a personal rivalry with Rubio — who challenged Trump in 2016 — and emphasized that he is “not entitled” to the nomination simply because he serves as vice president.
The president has so far declined to make a formal early endorsement. In August, Trump called it premature to settle on a successor but said Vance is “most likely” his heir apparent.
Note: The race remains fluid and early endorsements, polling and intra-party dynamics may shift as potential candidates make decisions about running.
