Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration is doing exactly what it said it would with regard to the nationwide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting migrants who have committed crimes.

Vance told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday the White House has an "ambitious" goal of getting criminal migrants off the street at a rate of nearly 2,000 per day.

"If you think [about it], we've got 20 plus million illegal aliens in this country. We have got to get these people out of our country and regain control of our own border," he said in a sit-down interview from the nation’s capital on "Hannity." 

The number of migrants arriving at the southern border since Trump took office last week has dropped dramatically by more than 60%.

Data obtained by Fox News Digital shows there were roughly 7,200 migrant encounters in Trump’s first seven days in office, compared to more than 20,000 in former President Biden’s final seven days. 

"I guarantee we're going to cut it even further," Vance said of the more than 60% decrease. "Policy matters. Elections have consequences and President Trump ran explicitly on regaining control of the border and redelivering American prosperity. That's exactly what we're doing."

Migrants are being repatriated to their home countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala and Ecuador.

"The take-home message here is, ‘Not today. Not today, not tomorrow, not next week. Do not come to the United States and enter illegally,’" said U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Supervisor Hamid Nikseresht after more than 80 illegal migrants were loaded onto a C-17 military plane and deported from El Paso, Texas, back to Ecuador.

Vance took aim at the hysteria from the left over the mass deportation efforts, pointing to Trump’s win in November and his "mandate" from the American people.

"Now he's doing it," the former Ohio senator said about Trump’s immigration crackdown. "That's how democratic politics in this country works and thank God for that."

The vice president made a shocking admission about the arrests of criminal migrants, telling Hannity the United States government, in some cases, knew their names and addresses. 

"We just needed to send somebody to go to their house and get them the hell out of the country," Vance said. 

"We've known at least that they had violent criminal backgrounds. And we haven't done anything until about eight days ago when Donald Trump became the President of the United States again. It really should shock the conscience of the American people."

Vice President JD Vance's political team, including two top advisors, is joining Vivek Ramaswamy's soon-to-be announced 2026 Ohio gubernatorial run, a source with knowledge confirmed to Fox News.

The news follows conversations between Ramaswamy and Vance, who until he stepped down earlier this month to assume the vice presidency was a senator from Ohio, added the operative, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely.

Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, for weeks has been putting the pieces together to launch a gubernatorial campaign in the race to succeed GOP Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

"Expect Vivek to announce his candidacy in mid-February," the source told Fox News.

RAMASWAMY DONE AT DOGE AS HE HEADS BACK ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Ramaswamy was among the contenders who challenged President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before dropping out of the race and becoming a top Trump ally and surrogate.

The two Vance advisors are Andy Surabian and Jai Chabria, who played major roles in Vance's 2022 Senate race and in his vice presidential campaign last summer and autumn, after Trump named the first-term senator as his running mate.

MUSK AND RAMASWAMY IGNITE MAGA WAR OVER SKILLED WORKER IMIMGRATION

The Ohio-based Chabria, a veteran in Buckeye State politics, is expected to serve as the Ramaswamy campaign's general consultant.

Surabian, who is also a top advisor to Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son and a top figure in the MAGA movement, will steer an outside political group allied with Ramaswamy.

Tony Fabrizio, the veteran Republican pollster who worked on Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns, as well as Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign, is also on board, according to the source, as is Arthur Schwartz, another close ally to Vance and Donald Trump Jr.

Vance, who has known Ramaswamy since they both studied at Yale Law School, has put his imprint on Ohio politics since winning his 2022 Senate election in the one-time key battleground state that has shifted to the right over the past decade.

Vance endorsed now-Sen. Bernie Moreno ahead of his 2024 GOP Senate primary victory, and key members of Vance's political team steered Moreno's campaign.

"It should not come as a surprise that JD's top operatives are working with Vivek, given that JD and Vivek have had a longtime friendship," a source in Vance's political orbit told Fox News.

A longtime Ohio-based Republican operative, who asked for anonymity to speak more freely, said Vance is "sending a message" with this move.

He added that the advisors joining the Ramaswamy effort are "an all-star caliber campaign team."

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON VIVEK RAMASWAMY

Also part of that team, according to the source, are three veterans from Ramaswamy's White House campaign – Ben Yoho, Mike Biundo and Chris Grant.

Ramaswamy, who's now 39 years old, launched his presidential campaign in February 2023 and quickly saw his stock rise as he went from a long shot to a contender for the Republican nomination.

He campaigned on what he called an "America First 2.0" agenda and was one of Trump's biggest supporters in the field of rivals, calling Trump the "most successful president in our century."

Ramaswamy dropped his White House bid a year ago after a distant fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses and quickly endorsed Trump, becoming a top surrogate on the campaign trail.

Trump, in the days after his November presidential election victory, named Elon Musk, the world's richest person, along with Ramaswamy, to steer the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, which is better known by its acronym DOGE.

But last Monday, as Trump was inaugurated, the new administration announced that Ramaswamy was no longer serving at DOGE. Ramaswamy's exit appears to clear the way for Musk, Trump's top donor and key ally, to steer DOGE without having to share the limelight.

"It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!," Ramaswamy wrote. 

DeWine announced a week and a half ago that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would fill the U.S. Senate seat that was held by Vance until he stepped down ahead of the Trump/Vance inauguration.

Before the Senate announcement, Husted had planned to run for governor in 2026 to succeed DeWine. Ramaswamy, for his part, had expressed interest in serving in the Senate. 

DeWine's decision to choose Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat appeared to accelerate Ramaswamy's move toward launching a run for governor.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, a major Trump ally in the Senate, on Monday endorsed Ramswamy's all-but-certain gubernatorial bid.

"I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Vivek G. Ramaswamy, and he is totally focused on trying to save our country," Scott said in a social media post.

"Ohioans want a shakeup in Columbus just as much as in Washington, and Vivek Ramaswamy is the bold leader to bring that change," attorney and political commentator Mehek Cooke, who was in the running to be named to Vance’s Senate seat that ultimately went to Husted, shaking up the gubernatorial race, told Fox News Digital. 

"Already gaining strong favor among Ohio conservatives, his high name ID and unwavering energy make him a formidable force for Governor. Much like President Trump, Vivek will bring a commitment to job creation, efficiency, and bold leadership. A businessman at heart, he knows how to drive economic growth, while as a father, he prioritizes merit over mediocrity for the future of Ohio’s children. With a powerful team led by seasoned strategists Vivek has the winning combination of grassroots support and strong fundraising to make Ohio economically vibrant and secure for all us."

The race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination could be competitive. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, 68, announced late last week his candidacy for governor.

"This is my heart, my home," Yost said in a Thursday press release announcing his candidacy. "I work for the people of Ohio, and I love my bosses. From the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, I'm thinking about them and our future."

Yost is also bringing in campaign staff from the Trump world and announced that former Trump campaign official Justin Clark has joined the Yost campaign as a general consultant. 

"Justin is nationally recognized for winning some of the most hotly contested races in the country," Amy Natoce, Yost campaign spokeswoman and senior advisor, told Fox News Digital. "As a longtime advisor to President Trump, he knows what it means to work with conservative America First candidates like Dave Yost. His experience is invaluable and we’re thrilled to have him on our team." 

Ramaswamy's move to run for governor also comes a couple of weeks after he and Musk sparked a firestorm among Trump's hard core MAGA supporters over their support for H-1B temporary worker visas for highly skilled workers from foreign countries.

Ramaswamy's comments criticizing an American culture that he said "venerated mediocrity over excellence" received plenty of pushback from some leading voices on the right as well as some in Trump's political circle.

Ohio, which was once a top general election battleground, has shifted red over the past decade as Republicans have dominated statewide elections.

Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense late Friday and might feel a bit like Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. 

Vance, an Ohio State alum, celebrated Hegseth's confirmation with an anecdote that referenced his alma mater's recent 34-23 national championship victory over Notre Dame. 

"As I learned with the Buckeyes just a week ago, when you win the championship, it doesn't matter what the score was. We won the championship on this one. We've got a great Secretary of Defense. We're proud of him, and he's going to do a great job," Vance said. 

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Vance has been on a roll with sports analogies lately. 

After former President Joe Biden falsely insisted the Constitution had been amended to include the the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th amendment, Vance mocked that notion with a baseball comparison.

Vance responded to Biden's declaration in a post on X, joking that Biden should put the late disgraced MLB icon Pete Rose in the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

OHIO STATE'S EMEKA EGBUKA REFLECTS ON HOW BUCKEYES RALLIED FROM MICHIGAN LOSS TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

"Hey Joe if we’re doing fake s--- on the way out can you declare Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame?" Vance wrote, in reference to an infamous baseball debate. Rose, MLB's all-time hit leader who died in September, was banned from the sport for life for illegally betting on games. 

Vance, meanwhile, got to witness the Buckeyes' first national title since 2014 the same day he and President Donald Trump were inaugurated. Vance has been a proud, vocal Ohio State football fan throughout his political career as a former senator from the state. 

Vance even joked about skipping Monday's inauguration to watch the Buckeyes take on Notre Dame in Atlanta. 

"Hopefully everyone is cool with me skipping the inauguration so I can go to the national title game," Vance joked in a post on social media. 

During the campaign, Vance revealed he told Trump his loyalty to the Buckeyes might affect Trump's chances of winning the key battleground state of Michigan.

"When he first asked me to be a VP, I was like, 'Well, you know, hopefully we don't lose Michigan by like 900 votes, because you're going to regret it. 'Cause it's probably just a thousand p---ed-off Wolverine fans who wouldn't vote for a Buckeye," Vance said during an appearance on OutKick's "The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show." 

"But I think that most Michiganders are going to be able to put sports rivalries aside and put the country first, which is what, of course, all of us believe is the most important thing."

The Democratic National Committee attempted to exploit Vance's connection to Ohio State with a campaign strategy in Michigan in early September. The DNC flew a plane over a Michigan football game Sept. 7 with a banner that said, "J.D. Vance [loves] Ohio State [plus] Project 2025." 

However, the Trump-Vance ticket ended up easily carrying Michigan.

Hegseth, 44, a former Minnesota National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, secured the role to lead the Pentagon after weeks of intense political drama over his nomination and public scrutiny of his personal life. 

The Senate was deadlocked at 50-50 with three Republicans — Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. — joining the Democrats in opposing Hegseth's confirmation.

The stalemate forced Vance to cast the tiebreaking vote, securing his confirmation.

"It's not the first time the headline reads, ‘Junior enlisted Marine bails out junior Army officer,'" Hegseth, a former Fox News host joked, referencing Vance's previous service in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

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Vice President JD Vance received a massive welcome from pro-lifer activists at the March for Life this Friday in his first public address since the inauguration.

Vance touted President Donald Trump’s recent pardons of several pro-life activists prosecuted by the Biden Department of Justice. He also spoke strongly about the need for pro-family governmental policies, saying, "I want to see more babies in the United States of America."  

Trump also delivered remarks to the March for Life crowd via a video message. 

Marchers told Fox News Digital that Vance’s presence showed that the new Trump administration stands in solidarity with the pro-life movement and gives them optimism for the future.

"It was amazing," said Amy Lewis, a pro-lifer who came with a group from Dry Fork Christian School in Virginia. "It was amazing that he was here. We were able to see him and to see that our new administration supports life as much as we do. It just really kind of drives it home that we have an administration that's here to support us and to support our beliefs."

PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST PROSECUTED BY BIDEN DOJ REACTS TO TRUMP PARDON: 'I WANT TO GIVE HIM A HUG'

Sarah Morales Wade, an activist who came with a pro-life youth group from Houston called the Catholic Organization of Life, told Fox News Digital: "It's so inspiring to see someone so high up in office fighting with us, with the kids and, and that we have people who are supporting us and who will fight for life with us."

Elizabeth O’Brien, another member of the Houston group, told Fox News Digital that she thought Vance’s speech was "amazing."

"When the vice president comes out, and he's telling us how precious life is, that’s an eye-opener," she said. "It gives us reassurance that the Trump administration is with us."

GOP IS UNIFIED BEHIND TRUMP'S 'WINNING' AGENDA, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SAYS

Isaac Desrosiers, a student at Franciscan University, a Catholic college in Steubenville, Ohio, Vance’s home state, told Fox News Digital that for him, the vice president’s speech showed that "he's not just a politician telling tales, trying to get votes."

"He’s truly Catholic, he holds Catholic values, and he brings that compassion and that sincere Catholic belief and faith to the table," he said. "He's genuinely concerned about what is going on in the world, what's going on in our country. And he generally wants freedom and equality for babies so that they may have the chance to come into this world and to live an amazing life."

Desrosiers said that though he’s "not sure what to expect" from the Trump administration regarding the abortion issue, he is "optimistic."

"I'm hoping it means that this country's going to be more pro-life and he's going to pass more pro-life laws," he said.

Vice President JD Vance said Friday it is "a joy and a blessing to fight for the unborn" as he addressed pro-life activists at the annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. 

"We march to live out the sacred truth that every single child is a miracle and a gift from God," Vance told the crowd at the National Mall in his first public appearance since being sworn in as vice president earlier this week.

Vance praised the marchers who braved bitter cold temperatures to be there, noting that Monday’s inauguration had to be moved inside because of the weather. 

"But you guys — and it’s bitter cold today — here you are outside in an especially frigid January, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a joyful crowd out here, particularly during this time of year," he said. "The excitement, the passion, the unwavering conviction that every single person here on the National Mall clearly feels, it is deeply moving to me and means more to President Trump and I than I could possibly say." 

PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST PROSECUTED BY BIDEN DOJ REACTS TO TRUMP PARDON: ‘I WANT TO GIVE HIM A HUG’

He added that it has been the "single greatest blessing" of his and wife Usha's lives to watch their three young children "grow, learn and become who they are today.

"Every parent here knows that feeling, that awe of a newborn child. It is our responsibility to cherish and to protect it," he added. 

Vance also talked about bringing a focus on family back to the center of American life, saying the "benchmark of national success" is "whether people feel that they can raise thriving and healthy families in our country."

The vice president vowed that the federal government will not "direct FBI raids" on homes of pro-lifers, mentioning Mark Houck, a pro-life activist whose home was raided. 

Vance also said the era of putting pro-lifers in jail was over, mentioning President Trump’s decision to pardon multiple activists.

"I want more babies in the United States of America. I want more happy children in our country, and I want beautiful young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them," Vance said. 

PRO-LIFERS POUNCE ON FETTERMAN FOR OPPOSING ‘BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT’ ‘INFANTICIDE’

However, he admitted young couples face challenges when having kids, and he called on the government to take action to make it "easier to raise a family."

Prior to Vance’s speech, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told the crowd, "House and Senate Republicans are committed to protecting innocent life."

"For two decades before I was elected to Congress, I served as a constitutional law attorney, and I litigated cases to defend our fundamental freedoms like religious liberty and the sanctity of human life. And now, in this role that I have as speaker of the House, I'm working to defend those freedoms in a different way," Johnson said. 

"And the good news is, there are many leaders here in Congress, just like the ones standing behind us here, who are committed to doing that same thing.

"This new White House has already shown its resolve," Johnson added. "As one of his first official acts, President Trump just freed and pardoned nearly two dozen wrongfully imprisoned pro-life activists."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged attendees at the event to push their elected officials to "show courage in defense of the unborn.

"That's what we need from the people that we elect to the office. The sanctity of life does not depend on poll results. It doesn't depend on which way the wind is blowing," DeSantis said. 

"It's an enduring truth, and it represents the foundation of our society, which in our original founding document, which we will celebrate next year, the Declaration of Independence, declared that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, beginning with the right to life itself."

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Also appearing at the event were senators John Thune of South Dakota, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Katie Britt of Alabama, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, and representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona, Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota, Andy Harris of Maryland, Bob Latta of Ohio, John McGuire of Virginia, Bob Onder of Missouri, Chris Smith of New Jersey and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, all Republicans.

Marine Staff Sgt. Lexus Martinez described her experience dancing with Vice President JD Vance at the Commander in Chief Ball as a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment, one filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness.

"It was very nerve-wracking," Martinez, 27, shared during an interview on "Fox & Friends" Friday. "I felt a little better when I saw everyone. And he just made me feel better."

Martinez recalled how Vance helped ease her nerves backstage with a lighthearted joke. 

"I was so nervous; I stayed very far away from him, so I didn’t step on his feet," she said. "That’s exactly what he said backstage was ‘I hope you don’t step on my feet’ and I said ‘Well, I hope you teach me how to dance."

JD VANCE SPELLS OUT WHAT TRUMP'S PROCESS TO 'RECTIFY' 'UNFAIR' JAN 6 PROSECUTIONS COULD LOOK LIKE

Martinez was chosen from hundreds of applicants for the honor. Her family was stunned when they found out she would take part in the prestigious event.

"Everyone just didn’t think I would have the opportunity," she said. "They all were just really excited. Everyone was tuned in, telling everyone, sharing to everyone how it was for me."

PRESIDENT TRUMP SPEAKS AT THE LIBERTY BALL: 'GOING TO TURN OUR COUNTRY AROUND FAST'

During the dance, Martinez and Vance bonded over their shared service in the Marine Corps. 

Vance, the first vice president to have served as a Marine, was a combat correspondent from 2003 to 2007, including a tour in Iraq, before transitioning to civilian life and attending Ohio State University.

The Commander in Chief Ball, a traditional part of inauguration celebrations, honors military service members. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance also danced with service members during the event. 

Trump addressed the audience with gratitude, saying "I've had no higher privilege in life than to serve as your commander in chief, not once but twice." 

He thanked service members for their contributions, noting their role in helping him return to the White House. 

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The president also highlighted the creation of the Space Force during his first term, calling it a significant addition to the military. 

Reflecting on the dance, Martinez said the moment was surreal and deeply meaningful. 

"I’m very proud [to be a Marine] because not a lot of people can do it," she said. "I’m very excited to know that I’m one of the few and the proud to be a United States Marine."

The White House's official website now lists Donald Trump as President and JD Vance as Vice President, declaring "America is Back." 

Pages detailing the work of "The Biden-Harris Administration" were removed just moments after both Trump and Vance took the oath of office Monday.

Those who visit Whitehouse.gov are greeted with an image of Trump and the message "America is Back." 

"Every single day I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve and that you deserve. This will truly be the golden age of America," it says under the message, followed by Trump’s signature. 

TRUMP, VANCE OFFICIAL PORTRAITS RELEASED AHEAD OF INAUGURATION

The updated administration section says "After a landslide election victory in 2024, President Donald J. Trump is returning to the White House to build upon his previous successes and use his mandate to reject the extremist policies of the radical left while providing tangible quality of life improvements for the American people." 

Next to JD Vance's name, it says "In 2024, President Donald J. Trump extended JD the incredible honor of asking him to serve as the Vice-Presidential Nominee for the Republican Party. JD looks forward to serving with President Trump over the next four years as they work diligently to Make America Great Again."

TRUMP PLEDGES NEW ‘GOLDEN AGE’ AFTER TAKING OATH OF OFFICE

The website also has biographies of Melania Trump and Usha Vance, the First Lady and the Second Lady of the United States, and Trump's cabinet.

In the "Issues" section, the administration lists six priorities: End inflation and lower costs, tax cuts for American workers, secure America's borders, restore peace through strength, American energy dominance and to make American cities safe again. 

During a busy week in the nation's capital, far from the action, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had no trouble keeping his name in the political spotlight.

"This is a time for action. And a time for Washington, D.C., to deliver results to the American people. There are no more excuses for Republicans," the conservative two-term governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate said Thursday as he named Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to succeed Sen. Marco Rubio in the Senate.

Two days earlier, President-elect Trump gave his onetime bitter GOP primary rival a shout-out after the governor called for a special state legislative session to implement Trump's expected immigration crackdown.

"Thank you Ron, hopefully other governors will follow!" the president-elect said in a social media post.

VANCE IS THE EARLY FRONTRUNNER, BUT HERE ARE THE OTHER REPUBLICANS WHO MAY RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2028

Due to the national profile he's built over the past four years, the governor of one of the country's most important states will likely continue to stay in the headlines as he takes a lead on some of the nation's most consequential issues.

The spotlight should help DeSantis if he ends up launching a second straight GOP presidential nomination run in 2028, a race in which soon-to-be Vice President JD Vance will be considered the clear early frontrunner as the perceived America First and MAGA heir apparent to Trump.

"He needs to do what he did in 2022, which is pick good fights. And he’s shown a lot of capability to pick good fights with the left both in Florida and nationally," longtime Republican strategist David Kochel said of DeSantis.

RNC CHAIR SAYS GOP HAS ‘DEEP BENCH’ FOR 2028

"I think he’ll be in demand to come do stuff in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina," Kochel, a veteran of numerous GOP presidential campaigns, predicted, pointing to the three key early voting states in the Republican presidential primaries. 

"I wouldn’t change a lot from how he did the run-up to his 2024 campaign. The problem was he basically ran against an incumbent president. He didn’t have the wrong playbook. He had the wrong cycle."

While the initial moves in the 2028 White House run will likely start in the coming months, including some early state visits, most Americans won't be paying a lick of attention until after the 2026 midterms, when the next presidential campaign formally gets under way. And that's when DeSantis will be wrapping up his second and final four-year term steering Florida, allowing him to concentrate 100% on a White House run if that's in his cards.

But what about another high-profile Republican governor who likely has national ambitions in 2028?

HERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS WHO MAY RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028

The Virginia Constitution doesn't allow for incumbent governors to run for a second consecutive term, so Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be out of office in Richmond in a year.

Compared to DeSantis, who also enjoys large GOP majorities in his state legislature, which will allow him to continue to enact a conservative agenda, Virginia is a purple state where Democrats have a slight upper hand in the legislature. 

"It might be a little tougher for Youngkin, a little tougher for him to find ways to stay in the news" after he leaves office in a year, Kochel suggested.

But, Younkin predicted, "You’re going to see me a lot."

"We’ve got a very aggressive agenda for being governor in the last 14 months," he said in a Fox News Digital interview in November. "But part of that agenda that I have is to make sure that we have [Lt. Gov.] Winsome Sears as our next governor. [Virginia Attorney General] Jason Miyares is back as our attorney general and a super lieutenant governor who we will pick at our primaries."

Youngkin, who energized Republicans nationwide in 2021 as a first-time candidate who hailed from the party’s business wing, edged former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe to become the first GOP candidate in a dozen years to win a gubernatorial election in the one-time swing state that had trended toward the Democrats over the previous decade. He could also potentially end up in the Trump administration after his term in Richmond sunsets in a year.

"I told the president when I called him and told him that I wanted to finish my term that I would be available to help him at any time while I’m governor and afterwards," Youngkin told Fox News Digital, referring to a call he held with Trump right after the November election.

But if he doesn't enter the Trump administration, another route for Youngkin to stay in the spotlight in 2026 would be criss-crossing the country on behalf of fellow Republicans running in the midterm elections. It's a role Youngkin previously played in 2022, helping fellow Republican governors and gubernatorial candidates.

"He’s got to do the blocking and tackling, go state by state, help a lot of candidates, raise a lot of money for them. Get a bunch of governors elected," Kochel suggested. "That’s the playbook for him."

What about NIkki Haley, the former two-term Republican governor of South Carolina and former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in Trump's first administration, who was the last rival standing against Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primaries?

Out of office and shut out of the Trump world while still facing social media zingers by the president-elect, Haley's ability to grab attention should she seek the presidency again may be a more difficult climb within a party once again on bended knee to the former and future president.

Haley does have a weekly national radio show on Sirius XM, where she noted a few weeks ago, "I had no interest in being in [Trump's] Cabinet."

But a lot can happen in the two years until the next White House race officially gets under way. There could be some buyer's remorse among voters if the new administration is not successful in enacting some of its goals.

"While JD Vance starts as the presumed frontrunner right now, there’s a million miles to go between now and then," seasoned Republican strategist Colin Reed told Fox News.

And Kochel added that for some Republicans mulling a 2028 presidential bid, "I think a little strategic distance is not a bad idea. Because you don’t know what’s going to happen over the next two years."

But holding statewide office — either as a governor or senator — doesn't guarantee favorable coverage.

"Having a day job cuts both ways. It gives you a platform, a megaphone, and an ability to make news whenever you want. But it also carries with it the responsibilities of governing or legislating or being part of government bodies, whether it’s Congress or the state you are running, where things can go wrong and end up on your doorstep and become political baggage," Reed noted.

Reed warned that "history is littered with those officeholders who ran and won for a second term only to have political baggage at home become political headaches on the campaign trail."

President Biden's recent declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is now "the law of the land" has prompted mockery in his final days in office. Biden isn't even safe from insults from Vice President-elect JD Vance. 

Vance responded to Biden's declaration in a post on X, joking that Biden should put the late disgraced MLB icon Pete Rose in the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

"Hey Joe if we’re doing fake s--- on the way out can you declare Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame?" Vance wrote. "See you in two days!"

Rose, who died back in September, was banned from MLB for life for illegally betting on games. 

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Rose was banned in 1989 after an investigation concluded that he not only gambled on MLB games, but went so far as to wager on games involving the Cincinnati Reds when he was managing the team. 

Rose signed an agreement with Commissioner Bart Giamatti declaring him permanently ineligible for baseball but allowing him to petition for reinstatement and avoid a formal declaration that he bet on baseball. Multiple appeals by Rose for reinstatement over the last few decades have failed.

As a player, Rose won three World Series titles, two with the Reds and one with the Philllies, while making 17 All-Star games and winning NL MVP in 1973. He famously still holds the record for most hits in MLB history with 4,256. 

PETE ROSE ON MLB BAN FOR GAMBLING IN LAST INTERVIEW: 'OTHER GUYS WILL KILL SOMEBODY AND BE BACK IN THE GAME

Yet, his betting scandal has made him one of the most controversial holdouts of the baseball Hall of Fame since his retirement. His absence from the Hall of Fame is one of the sport's most fiercely debated controversies. 

So Vance had no reservations about referencing Rose's famed Hall of Fame controversy to mock the outgoing president. 

Citing the American Bar Association in the statement, Biden argued that the ERA has "cleared all necessary hurdles to formally be added to the Constitution." Biden added that he agreed with "the ABA and with leading constitutional scholars that the Equal Rights Amendment has become part of our Constitution." However, despite Biden’s argument, the National Archives disagreed.

In a post on X calling the ERA the "law of the land," implying that it is already part of the Constitution, which is not the case. Social media users were quick to point this out, with some calling the president a "dictator."

The ERA, a proposed amendment to the constitution that would guarantee "equal rights under the law" to all Americans regardless of sex. Its latest iteration was a rapid response by New York Democrats to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization decision in June 2022.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

FIRST ON FOX: Ohio's new Senator-designate, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, wants to get the country "to a more fiscally responsible path" and is bringing his years of state government experience to the upper chamber. 

"Look, as a fiscal conservative, I always want to move America on to a more fiscally responsible path, and I want to get government out of people's lives," he told Fox News Digital in an exclusive first interview after being appointed by Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to be the next senator. 

Husted will take over Vice President-elect JD Vance's vacated Senate seat and run in a special election in 2026 to determine who will serve the remainder of his term. 

DOGE CAUCUS PLANS FOR BIGGEST IMPACT, EYEING KEY TOOLS TO EXPEDITE CUTTING WASTE

The lieutenant governor said he plans to run both in 2026 and again when Vance's seat is up for re-election in 2028. 

As a "fiscal conservative," one issue sure to test Husted upon arriving at the Senate is President-elect Trump's desire to raise the debt ceiling. 

"Look, I'll get into all of those issues once I take the oath," he said. 

"In state government, we have to balance our budget," Husted explained.  

OHIO GOV DEWINE PICKS LT GOV TO FILL VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JD VANCE'S VACANT SEAT

"If you want to cut taxes, you got to cut spending. And that's what I'm accustomed to. And that's the attitude I'll take into the process of being a U.S. senator."

He acknowledged that America's debt and spending problem can't be remedied with a "magic wand," but added, "you've got to start somewhere." 

Husted's appointment comes as the Trump transition team is currently pressing forward with key nominees for his Cabinet. Many of them have been meeting with senators for months ahead of their confirmation hearings and committee votes. 

Asked about coming in right in the middle of this process, he told Fox News Digital, "I think it's a good list of nominees."

DESANTIS ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR SENATE APPOINTMENT AFTER RUBIO'S EXPECTED RESIGNATION

"Remember, you know, I'm taking Vance's seat. I'm an ally of the Trump administration, and I'm going to help support those nominees and get them confirmed as quickly as we can," the senator-designate emphasized. 

The first confirmation votes for Trump nominees are expected to take place on Monday evening following the inauguration. 

It's unclear who will run against Husted in the 2026 special election, but the seat is expected to be one of the Democrats' top targets after losing former Sen. Sherrod Brown's seat in November. 

CONFIRMATION DELAYS STACK UP FOR TRUMP NOMINEES AS PAPERWORK LAGS IN FEDERAL OFFICES

Brown has been speculated as a candidate for Vance's seat, and he previously dismissed questions from Fox News Digital about whether he'd launch a campaign for it. 

Following the news of Husted's appointment on Friday, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) spokesman David Bergstein said in a statement, "The start of the 2026 cycle has quickly been defined by new weak spots emerging in Senate Republicans’ already challenging map. Ohio’s special election adds another seat and another controversial candidate the GOP will have to protect — and it means Senate Republicans are starting the cycle having to play even more defense." 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Friday Lt. Governor Jon Husted as his pick to fill the Senate vacancy left by Vice President-elect JD Vance ahead of his inauguration on Monday.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Ohio. 

Husted was first elected to be lieutenant governor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He previously served in several other capacities, including as Ohio Secretary of State, the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and as an Ohio state Senator. 

He is married to his wife Tina and has three children; Alex, Katie and Kylie. 

DESANTIS ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR SENATE APPOINTMENT AFTER RUBIO'S EXPECTED RESIGNATION

"I interviewed a large number of people. We heard from a large number of people. There were many people who I considered very qualified to serve in the United States Senate to represent the state of Ohio," DeWine said on Friday.

"But, I came to the conclusion, as you see, that the person who is best suited to be the United States senator is a person who has been close to me for the last six years. Personally, almost daily, I work with—and that is Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted," the governor revealed. 

"I have worked with him. I have seen him. I know his knowledge of Ohio. I know his heart. I know what he cares about. I know his skills. And all of that tells me that he is the right person to do this."

Husted accepted the appointment of DeWine during the same press conference. 

"Governor, I just want to say thank you. It is my honor to accept the appointment to serve the people of the state of Ohio in the U.S. Senate. I just appreciate that you have placed so much trust in me. First as a runningmate, and then as lieutenant governor, and now as your appointee to the Senate," he said to DeWine.

Vance gave the Senate notice of his forthcoming resignation on Jan. 9, which became official on the following day. He officially resigned 10 days prior to his and President-elect Donald Trump's swearing in. 

"To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate. When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day," Vance said in a statement. 

"The American people have granted President Trump an undeniable mandate to put America first, both at home and abroad. Over the next four years, I will do all that I can to help President Trump enact his agenda. Together, we will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before."

After Vance's resignation, new Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said in his own statement, "Ohio couldn’t be prouder of JD Vance! He has served our country with great honor, first in the Marines, then in the US Senate, and now as our 50th Vice President! I’m extremely thankful to JD for his early and unwavering support. A truly amazing journey for an outstanding guy!"

Once Husted is sworn in, Republicans will officially have a 53-vote majority. 

"Congratulations and welcome to DC, @JonHusted! I look forward to working together to deliver results for Ohio," Moreno wrote on X.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., also congratulated the new incoming senator. "The people of Ohio will continue to have a conservative fighter representing them in Washington with the appointment of Jon Husted. His story, character, and experience will make him a strong ally in the U.S. Senate to advance Trump’s agenda. Congratulations, Senator Husted!" he said in a statement. 

There will be a special election in November 2026 to determine who will serve the remainder of Vance's term in the Senate. 

On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., announced his pick to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the upper chamber. He picked Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. 

Moody cannot be sworn in until Rubio officially resigns, which he is expected to do after his likely confirmation to be Secretary of State on Monday. 

The Trump-Vance Transition Team unveiled on Thursday the administration's official portraits of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

"In just four days, Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States and JD Vance as the 50th Vice President of the United States — and their official portraits are here," the team said in a statement.

"Official Portraits Released -- And They Go Hard," the statement added.

In the new portrait, Trump is seen with no expression, compared to his first official portrait in which he was smiling.

Both Trump and Vance will be sworn-in to office on Monday, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C.

The focus on President-elect Donald Trump's vow to pardon Jan. 6 protesters is sharpening, with his return to the White House just eight days away. 

Vice President-elect JD Vance — who, like Trump, has been critical of a justice system allegedly weaponized against the protesters — laid out how their offenses might be weighed when considering the pardons.

"If you protested peacefully on January 6th, and you've had Merrick Garland's Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned," Vance told Fox News' Shannon Bream during an exclusive one-on-one interview that aired Sunday. 

"If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn't be pardoned, and there's a little bit of a gray area there, but we're very much committed to seeing the equal administration of law. And there are a lot of people, we think, in the wake of January the 6th who were prosecuted unfairly. We need to rectify that."

TRUMP ASKS ABOUT ‘J-6 HOSTAGES’ IN RESPONSE TO BIDEN'S PARDON OF HUNTER: ‘SUCH AN ABUSE’

Trump previously pledged to pardon Jan. 6 protesters on day one of his incoming administration, telling NBC's Kristen Welker last month that people on the Jan. 6 committee in Congress belonged in jail instead.

"I’m going to look at everything. We’ll look at individual cases," Trump told Welker as he spelled out his plans. "But I’m going to be acting very quickly."

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

The incoming administration faces a slew of challenges ranging from the border crisis to hostages in the Middle East to domestic disaster relief once all members are sworn in.

Relentless wildfires tearing through southern California are but one of the issues Trump's administration will have to address. With a rift growing between Trump and state Democratic officials, the intended path forward seems unclear.

"President Trump is committed to doing a better job when it comes to disaster relief. That's true for the hurricane victims and flood victims in North Carolina. It's true for the fire victims in California. We just have to do a better job. We need competent, good governance," Vance said. 

"That doesn't mean you can't criticize the governor of California for, I think, some very bad decisions over a very long period of time. Some of these reservoirs have been dry for 15, 20 years. The fire hydrants are being reported as going dry while the firefighters are trying to put out these fires. There is a serious lack of competent governance in California, and I think it's part of the reason why these fires have gotten so bad. We need to do a better job at both the state and federal level."

Newsom's press office, meanwhile, addressed Trump's previous remarks that criticized the governor for allegedly mismanaging the water supply, with an X post, stating, "LADWP said that because of the high water demand, pump stations at lower elevations did not have enough pressure refill tanks at higher elevations, and the ongoing fire hampered the ability of crews to access the pumps."

It added, "Broadly speaking, there is no water shortage in Southern California right now, despite Trump's claims that he would open some imaginary spigot."

Fox News' Hanna Panreck and Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.

Vice President-elect JD Vance resigned his U.S. Senate seat as he and President-elect Donald Trump prepare to take office.

Vance, who has served in the Senate since early 2023, resigned around two years into his six-year Senate term.

"I hereby resign my office as a United States Senator from the State of Ohio, effective January 10, 2025," Vance said in the resignation letter to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine that is circulating online.

VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT VANCE UNDERWENT MINOR SURGERY AFTER SENATE SWEARING IN

"As I prepare to assume my duties as Vice President of the United States, I would like to express that it has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio in the Senate over the past two years," Vance added.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, noted in a post on X that he "will really miss having" Vance as a Senate colleague.

"Over the last two years, he’s become a dear friend and trusted ally," Lee noted. "But the Senate’s loss is also the Senate’s gain, as he is about to become the president of the Senate—a job that belongs to the vice president."

OHIO NATIVE JD VANCE, TEXAS' TED CRUZ MAKE WAGER FOR BUCKEYES-LONGHORNS COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL

Vance reciprocated, noting that the "Feeling is mutual!"

Trump and Vance, who trounced the Democratic ticket in the 2024 presidential election, will take office later this month on Jan. 20.

"To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate. When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day," Vance said in a statement about his Senate resignation.

TRUMP SPEAKS TO THE PRESS DURING MEETING WITH GOP GOVERNORS

"The American people have granted President Trump an undeniable mandate to put America first, both at home and abroad. Over the next four years, I will do all that I can to help President Trump enact his agenda. Together, we will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before," he added.

Fox News recently learned Vice President-elect JD Vance went to George Washington Hospital Friday afternoon for a "planned" minor surgery. 

"The Vice President-elect is having long-planned, minor sinus surgery and will be back at work tomorrow," Vance Spokesperson William Martin confirmed.

TRUMP GIVES JOHNSON 'COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT' AHEAD OF SPEAKERSHIP FIGHT

JOHNSON BLASTS DEM ACCUSATIONS HE VOWED TO END OBAMACARE AS 'DISHONEST'

Vice President-elect Vance was on the hill before the operation as Vice President Kamala Harris swore in new senators.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said one of the things she got wrong in 2024 was thinking Americans would be more "unnerved" by Republican Vice President-elect JD Vance.

"I thought people would be more unnerved by JD Vance," Maddow told news site, Semafor, which rounded up dozens of retrospectives from media figures across the political spectrum, adding, "Less the cat lady thing and more the ‘Americans [are] going to have to get over dictatorphobia’ Mencius Moldbug' thing," referring to the pseudonym for blogger Curtis Yarvin, whom Vance has followed for years.

MSNBC'S RACHEL MADDOW SHEDS 43% OF AUDIENCE SINCE TRUMP'S ELECTION DAY VICTORY

Donald Trump's selection of Vance as his running mate was greeted with scorn in the progressive media, and he was derided in the press as a drag on the ticket. However, Vance's skillful showings in combative interviews soon earned him a reputation as one of Trump's best surrogates, and he was also widely considered the winner of the only vice-presidential debate with Democratic counterpart Tim Walz.

Less than three years ago, Vance was part of a crowded field of contenders for the Ohio Republican Senate nomination. He went on to win the primary, defeat Democrat Tim Ryan and then join Trump's successful White House ticket in one of the quickest rises in political history.

Vance, 40, will be the third-youngest vice president in American history when he is sworn in next month. As Trump is prevented by the Constitution from seeking another term in office, Vance is already viewed as a front-runner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT JD VANCE: FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR TO TRUMP'S VP PICK

Maddow was one of several media figures Semafor asked to reflect on what they got wrong from the 2024 election or culture at large. Answers ranged from failing to predict Elon Musk's influence to the continued relevance of X and the power of inflation on Americans' votes. Others, like The Bulwark Podcast host Tim Miller, admitted he was guilty of judging President Biden too "generously."

RACHEL MADDOW INKS NEW DEAL TO REMAIN AT MSNBC DESPITE RATINGS WOES, QUESTIONS ABOUT NETWORK’S FUTURE

Mark Cuban simply replied, "I was wrong about the election outcome."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Yet, Semafor wrote that "despite the fact that we and others embarrassingly missed the mark on a few occasions," they showed a "willingness to reflect on misconceptions."

The presidential election generated numerous high-profile political gaffes this year, including President Biden’s widely-panned debate performance and him calling Trump supporters "garbage" in the closing days of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. 

Here are six of the biggest political gaffes of 2024: 

A disastrous performance by President Biden during his debate with former President Trump on June 27 appeared to be the beginning of the end for Biden's 2024 re-election campaign. 

He struggled with a raspy voice and delivered rambling answers during the debate in Atlanta, sparking doubts about his viability at the top of the Democratic Party’s presidential ticket. 

KARINE JEAN-PIERRE'S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF 2024 

Biden’s campaign blamed the hoarse voice on a cold and the 81-year-old admitted a week later that he "screwed up" and "had a bad night," yet that didn’t stop a chorus of Democrats from making calls for him to drop out of the race. 

In a shocking move, Biden then pulled the plug on his campaign on July 21 and endorsed Harris, who would go on to lose to Trump in November. 

Biden appeared to galvanize Republicans when he called Trump supporters "garbage" less than a week before Election Day. 

Trump’s rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 27 made headlines when a comedian mocked different ethnic groups, calling Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage." 

Then, during a conference call with the Voto Latino group on Oct. 30, Biden said, "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters."  

Biden and the White House then tried to clean up his words in the days afterward. However, the remark was quickly likened to Hillary Clinton’s labeling of half of Trump supporters as belonging in "a basket of deplorables" in 2016, a comment that was widely seen as undermining her campaign. 

Vice President Kamala Harris’ answer to a question during an Oct. 8 appearance on "The View" may have been a turning point in the 2024 presidential election. 

Co-host Sunny Hostin asked Harris, "If anything, would you have done something differently than President Biden during the past four years?" Harris paused for a moment and then said, "There is not a thing that comes to mind in terms of — and I’ve been a part of most of the decisions that have had impact." 

TOP POLITICAL COURTROOM MOMENTS OF 2024 

Hostin had given Harris a clear opportunity to differentiate herself from Biden, but Harris instead effectively cut an ad for Trump's campaign by allowing it to tie her directly to an unpopular administration. 

Harris’ running mate Tim Walz raised eyebrows during his vice presidential debate with Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, on Oct. 1, when he declared he had "become friends with school shooters." 

The poorly timed mishap occurred when the Minnesota governor was asked about changing positions on banning assault weapons.

"I sat in that office with those Sandy Hook parents. I’ve become friends with school shooters. I’ve seen it," Walz said. 

Walz presumably meant he had become friendly with parents who lost children during horrific school shootings. 

Trump appeared to confuse then-Republican presidential primary opponent Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a rally in New Hampshire on Jan. 20.

Speaking in Concord, Trump said that Haley, his former ambassador to the United Nations, had been responsible for the collapse of Capitol Hill security during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Trump has previously blamed Pelosi for turning down National Guard support before the riot. 

"You know, by the way, they never report the crowd on January 6, you know, Nikki Haley. Nikki Haley, Nikki Haley, you know, they — did you know they destroyed all the information and all of the evidence. Everything. Deleted and destroyed all of it, all of it, because of lots of things, like Nikki Haley is in charge of security. We offered 10,000 people, soldiers, National Guard. So whatever they want, they turned it down. They don't want to talk about that. These are very dishonest people," Trump said. 

Harris found herself in the headlines repeatedly this year for making confusing verbal statements. 

"I grew up understanding the children of the community are the children of the community, and we should all have a vested interest in ensuring that children can go grow up with the resources that they need to achieve their God-given potential," the vice president once said in September. 

"We are here because we are fighting for a democracy. Fighting for a democracy. And understand the difference here, understand the difference here, moving forward, moving forward, understand the difference here," she then said at a campaign event in November. 

The remarks drew criticism and ridicule from conservatives online. 

President Biden mistakenly introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin" during a NATO conference in Washington, D.C., in July.

"And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination," Biden said, before starting to leave the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin." 

"He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin," Biden then said, appearing to realize the verbal stumble. "We got to worry about it. Anyway, Mr. President." 

Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser, Joseph A. Wulfsohn, Jacqui Heinrich, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, David Rutz, Brian Flood and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report. 

With former president and now President-elect Trump term-limited and constitutionally unable to run again for the White House in 2028, Vice President-elect JD Vance is on a glide path to be the heir apparent to the America First movement and the Republican Party's powerful MAGA base.

It was a point driven home by Donald Trump Jr., the former and future president's eldest son and powerful ally of the vice president-elect.

"We are getting four more years of Trump and then eight years of JD Vance!" Trump Jr. said on the campaign trail in Ohio a few weeks ahead of November's election.

Plenty of Republican politicians, strategists and pundits agree that Vance, who was elected to the Senate in Ohio just two years ago, will likely be the clear frontrunner in the next Republican presidential nomination race.

HERE ARE THE DEMOCRATS WHO MAY RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028

"The vice president will be in the catbird seat. No question about it," longtime Republican consultant Dave Carney told Fox News Digital. 

Carney, a veteran of numerous Republican presidential campaigns over the past four decades, said Vance "is the guy to beat."

David Kochel, another longtime GOP strategist with plenty of presidential campaign experience, told Fox News that Vance is the frontrunner due to "the size and the scope of last week's victory and the implied passing of the torch from Donald Trump."

"There will be no shortage of people looking at it. But most people looking at it are seeing the relative strength of the Trump victory and the movement," Kochel said.

And with Trump's support in a party firmly in the president-elect's grip, the 40-year-old Vance will be extremely hard to knock off. 

However, Kochel noted that "nobody will completely defer to JD Vance. There will be a contest. There always is."

Carney added that "there may be other people who challenge him [Vance]… there’s a lot of people who want to be president, but it will be a very hard lane other than the Trump lane."

He added that a possible rough four years for the Trump/Vance administration would give potential Vance challengers "opportunities."

However, he praised the vice president-elect's messaging and accessibility on the campaign trail and that "he is the guy to beat, regardless of whether it’s a good four years or a rough four years."

Carney also touted that the Republican Party has a "deep bench." 

Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley, a top Trump ally, said in a recent Fox News Digital interview that he's "very excited about the bench that we have in the Republican Party right now."

Pointing to Trump's remaking of the GOP, Whatley added that "as we go into 2028, we are in a great position to be able to continue the momentum of this agenda and this movement."

But he also emphasized that regardless of Vance's likely frontrunner status as 2028 nears, the RNC will hold to its traditional role of staying neutral in an open and contested presidential primary.

Here's a look at some of those on the bench that may have national aspirations and ambitions in 2028, or beyond.

The conservative governor of Florida was flying high after a landslide re-election in 2022, but an unsuccessful 2024 presidential primary run and a bruising battle with Trump knocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis down in stature.

However, the term-limited 46-year-old governor, who has two years left in office steering Florida, proved over the past few years his fundraising prowess and retains plenty of supporters across the country.

DeSantis was also able, to a degree, to repair relations with Trump, helped raise money for the GOP ticket during the general election, and earned a prime time speaking slot at July's convention.

It's likely that DeSantis, who sources say Trump has considered as a plan B for Defense secretary if his nominee Pete Hegseth runs into trouble, has his eyes on another White House run.

The popular conservative governor is one of the few in the GOP who can claim he faced Trump's wrath and not only survived, but thrived.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited, has two years left in office and enjoys strong favorable ratings in a crucial battleground state.

Expect to see the 61-year-old Kemp on the campaign trail across the country for fellow Republicans in 2026, as his national profile expands.

With his 2021 gubernatorial victory – the first by a Republican in Virginia in a dozen years – Gov. Glenn Youngkin instantly became a GOP rising star.

In Virginia, governors are limited to one four-year term, which means Youngkin has one year left in office. 

The 58-year-old governor, who hails from the Republican Party's business wing but has been able to thrive in a MAGA-dominated party, likely harbors national ambitions. 

A first step could be a Cabinet post in the second Trump administration after his term as governor ends.

Sen. Ted Cruz was the runner-up to Trump in the blockbuster 2016 Republican presidential battle.

The controversial conservative firebrand passed on challenging Trump again in 2024, as he ran for what was thought to be another difficult re-election bid, after narrowly surviving his 2018 re-election.

However, the 53-year-old senator ended up winning a third six-year term in the Senate by nearly nine points.

The Army veteran, who served in combat in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars before becoming a rising star in Republican Party politics, was considered to be on the larger list of potential Trump running mates.

The now-47-year-old Sen. Tom Cotton seriously mulled a 2024 White House run of his own before deciding against it in late 2022, putting his young family ahead of political ambitions. However, he did not rule out a future presidential bid.

Cotton is currently bidding for the GOP conference chair, the number three leadership position in the incoming Senate Republican majority.

The 44-year-old Sen. Josh Hawley, along with Cotton, is another rising conservative star in the Senate. 

Hawley is also a strong defender of Trump's America First agenda and is thought to have national aspirations.

The former two-term South Carolina governor, who served as U.N. ambassador in Trump's first term, was the first GOP challenger to jump into the race against the former president in the 2024 nomination race. 

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley outlasted the rest of the field, becoming the final challenger to Trump before ending her White House bid in March.

While the 52-year-old Haley ended up backing Trump in the general election, her earlier clashes with the now president-elect during the primaries left their mark. Even though she addressed the GOP faithful at the convention, her political future in a party dominated by Trump is uncertain.

The first-term conservative governor of Arkansas is a well-known figure in MAGA world, thanks to her tenure as Trump's longest-serving White House press secretary during his first administration.

The 42-year-old Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas governor and former two-time presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, has also grabbed national attention for delivering the GOP's response to President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address.

The multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur, anti-woke crusader and first-time candidate was one of the biggest surprises during the GOP presidential nomination race.

The now 39-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy, who touted during his campaign that he and Trump were the only two "America First candidates" in the large field of contenders, eventually dropped out of the race and became a major backer and surrogate for the former president.

He's now teaming up with billionaire Trump supporter and pal Elon Musk to steer DOGE, the new presidential advisory commission that will look to make massive cuts in the federal budget.

Others to keep your eyes on include Sen. Marco Rubio, who ran for the 2016 nomination and was nominated to serve as secretary of state in the second Trump administration; Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who ran unsuccessfully for the 2024 nomination but remains very popular; and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who both mulled but decided against presidential runs this past cycle.

Also, not to be ignored – top Trump supporters Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida and Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, whom Trump picked to serve as U.S. ambassador to the U.N., and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who was named to head the Department of Homeland Security

Then there is Donald Trump Jr., the president-elect's eldest son and MAGA warrior. However, the younger Trump is very close to Vance, which would likely prevent him from making any White House bid in the next cycle.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.