Is Rubio running without running?

Published October 16, 2026 6:00am ET | Updated October 16, 2026 7:28am ET



The most enthusiastic supporters of Vice President JD Vance’s presidential ambitions have a ready response whenever Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes conservatives stand and cheer:

“He’s not running,” they say. “He’s said he won’t run against Vance. He’s going to be Vance’s vice president.”

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.