Massachusetts is the safest of states for Democrats, but Republicans there are enamored with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The former U.S. Senator and Florida House Speaker was declared the most exciting potential 2028 candidate in a survey of 465 GOP registrants from Suffolk University.
With 36% thrilled by Rubio, he’s comfortably ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s 28%.
No other potential candidate clears 10%, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who actually has tied to the state as a Harvard Law graduate.
DeSantis, who is asked in every national interview whether he’s running in 2028, is at 4%, tied with former Vice President Mike Pence.
Rubio, if he were to run, would represent a return to unifying and aspirational rhetoric, as evidenced by his comments when asked what he wanted for the United States in the future.
“My hope for America is what it’s always been. I think it’s the hope I hope we all share. We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything, where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, by the color of your skin, by your ethnicity, but frankly, it’s a place where you are able to overcome challenges and achieve your full potential,” he said during a White House briefing.
DeSantis, in contrast, continues to message off of policy wins, including a congressional redistricting that further marginalizes Florida Democrats and this week’s push to let voters decide to eliminate homestead property taxes.
These moves impress national interviewers. But at least thus far in polls in Massachusetts and everywhere else, voters are nonplussed.
