Organizers noted that the results reflect the preferences of grassroots pro-life activists and younger voters who attended the event, where abortion policy was a key issue. Nearly half of attendees ranked abortion as their most important voting issue, and a majority included it among their top two priorities.
“The dedicated grassroots of GOP activists – including pro-life and youth voters – have selected Vice President J.D. Vance as their leading GOP contender,” said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, in a statement. “Legislators should take note as the campaign season begins.”
While the straw poll is nonbinding, participants and organizers described it as an early indicator of priorities within the pro-life segment of the Republican Party as the 2028 election cycle takes shape.
Other potential Republican candidates mentioned in the poll included Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, though detailed rankings were not released. Respondents also provided views on likely Democratic contenders, identifying California Governor Gavin Newsom as the anticipated Democratic nominee, ahead of former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The results come amid growing interest in the 2028 presidential race, with potential candidates gauging support ahead of formal campaign announcements.
Vance spoke last month at the 53rd annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., addressing thousands of pro-life advocates. In his remarks, he acknowledged ongoing discussions within the movement and encouraged attendees to stay engaged in shaping policy.
He highlighted the experiences of both younger and older activists and reflected on the progress made in abortion policy in recent years. Vance also outlined recent administration actions related to abortion, including reviews of medication abortion protocols and protections for pro-life advocates.
Vance emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the pro-life community and said that further work remains to advance the movement’s goals.
JUST IN: Vice President JD Vance compares the left's obsession with abortion to the child sacrifice of the Mayans, says every child is wonderfully made by God.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 23, 2026
Vance also warned America against turning to paganism.
"As important as all this politics stuff is, it is about… pic.twitter.com/PQ0Fm2Qi97