Let me tell you something about CPAC – it’s not just another political conference. It’s where conservative warriors gather to chart America’s future, and its legendary straw poll has been predicting the movement’s direction since the days of Ronald Reagan.
This year’s gathering, just minutes from the White House where President Donald Trump is delivering on his promises, felt different. Indeed, the energy was electric. You could sense something big was coming.
Sound familiar? It should. We’ve seen this before – when a true conservative leader captures the movement’s imagination.
In a stunning show of conservative unity that has the establishment media spinning, Vice President J.D. Vance dominated the conference’s closely-watched 2028 straw poll, securing an overwhelming 61% of support from attendees.
And believe me, those numbers speak volumes.
Conservative Movement Shows Unity
“The results of CPAC’s straw polls are ‘one of the most watched moments of the Republican confab,’ and are ‘followed closely by politicians, fundraisers and the press as a barometer of the mood of conservatives,'” the New York Post’s Jon Levine wrote.
The commanding victory puts a significant distance between Vance and other potential 2028 contenders. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon received 12% support, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis managed just 7% – a striking shift from the 2024 primary landscape.
Why are establishment Republicans so worried? Because they see what we see: an overwhelming 99% of CPAC attendees agreed that “the first month of Donald Trump’s presidency has been the best for the modern conservative movement in my lifetime.”
Here’s what the mainstream media won’t tell you about Vance: At 40, he represents a new generation of America First leadership that actually understands working Americans. His journey from working-class Ohio, to bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy, to Vice President resonates because it’s authentic – no focus groups or consultant-crafted messaging required.
Just last week, Vance’s speeches in Paris and Munich sent European elites into a tailspin as he boldly defended American sovereignty and traditional values. His unapologetic America First stance on everything from immigration to free speech mirrors President Trump’s own fearless approach.
Looking Ahead to 2028
Make no mistake – this isn’t just another poll. The CPAC results reveal conservative voters are increasingly united behind Vance as a potential heir to Trump’s movement. A remarkable 89% of attendees backed the administration’s revolutionary push to give the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) greater control over federal agency funding – a reform Vance has championed since day one.
As veteran pollster Jim McLaughlin explained, “Vance’s appeal is simple: he’s viewed as the closest thing to Donald Trump.”
This powerful combination of populist credibility and proven executive experience is exactly what the conservative movement needs.
The message from CPAC is clear: the conservative movement stands firmly behind President Trump’s triumphant return to the White House while embracing its next generation of leadership. As the administration continues implementing its ambitious agenda, the foundation for America First’s future has never been stronger.
Key Takeaways:
- Vice President JD Vance’s commanding 61% victory signals strong grassroots support for America First leadership.
- Conservative voters overwhelmingly endorse the Trump administration’s bold executive actions and DOGE reforms.
- Next generation of MAGA leadership emerging as movement unites behind proven policy successes.
- Traditional conservative values find a new voice through populist, working-class messengers.
Sources: Breitbart, The New York Post, Daily Mail, The Washington Examiner
