Marco Rubio may step down to launch 2028 presidential bid — The Independent
Photo: Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio may resign to run in the 2028 presidential race, The Independent reports.
According to the agency's sources in the US and the UK, Rubio is preparing to run for the Republican presidential nomination. US Vice President JD Vance is considered his main rival in this race.
Insiders' confidence regarding Rubio's possible departure from President Donald Trump's administration has grown significantly following the US midterm elections.
One Washington insider tells the agency that the Secretary of State should "distance himself from the Iran war and pin that one on Trump."
An associate of the US Secretary of State notes that he is one of the leading Republican contenders.
"But he cannot run while he is still secretary of state and being tied to the administration will only harm his prospects anyway," the source adds.
Possible scenarios
"We are looking to see what he will do after the midterms. It seems unlikely that he will stick around. He would make a strong presidential candidate and we expect him to run," says one source in the British government.
At the same time, a US administration official tells The Independent that the Secretary of State has not yet shown any clear desire to leave his post. However, it is noted that the situation could change depending on the future atmosphere in the White House.
Another source close to the White House suggests that Rubio might remain in office to demonstrate the team's stability and serve as a voice of reason within Trump's inner circle.
According to the results of the US midterm elections held on November 4, 2026, the Democratic Party won a majority in both houses.
Specifically, the Democrats won 227 seats in the House of Representatives, exceeding the 218 needed for a majority, and 54 seats in the Senate, compared to 42 for the Republicans.
