A growing number of congressional Republicans are looking to Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, questioning whether Vice President JD Vance can lead the party after its sweeping midterm losses.

Interviews with roughly two dozen GOP lawmakers suggest the race to succeed President Donald Trump is increasingly seen as open. Some Republicans worry Vance’s close association with Trump will hurt him with voters, while viewing Rubio as a more effective communicator and unifying figure.

“I hope he runs. I think he’s the best person to communicate, to unify,” said Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, who called Rubio “the most talented Republican by far.”

One House Republican, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said Rubio was the party’s “best hope” to recover and urged him to break from Trump and Vance early next year. Florida Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who has known Rubio for nearly three decades, said he was excited about a possible candidacy.

Rubio has not signaled that he intends to run. Several lawmakers said people close to him had suggested he was uninterested, while a person close to Rubio said he was focused on his current responsibilities. Rubio told reporters Monday that he was “just not going to talk about 2028 anymore.”

Vance retains supporters, including Indiana Sen. Jim Banks, who said he would give the vice president his full backing if he runs. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas called Vance a front-runner. Vance also received a boost when fellow Ohio Republican Jim Jordan was elected incoming House minority leader.

The Iran war could complicate both men’s prospects. Vance has blamed the conflict for Republican losses, while Rubio has continued to defend Trump’s decision to go to war. Rubio also faces questions stemming from his unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign.

Other potential contenders include outgoing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas. Hawley has not ruled out a bid.

Vance made light of the speculation, describing criticism of a team leader and doubts about whether the No. 2 could take over. “I’m talking, of course, about the Ohio State Buckeyes,” he said.