Vance seen as GOP favorite; Shapiro tops Dem predictions among AmericaFest attendees

PHOENIX — Predictions at AmericaFest point to a potential 2028 race shaped by a generational divide and a dynamic that resembles a rematch in some observers’ minds. Attendees identified Vice President JD Vance as the odds-on favorite to succeed President Donald Trump, while Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro topped the field as the most-cited Democratic nominee ahead of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Vance, 41, would bring a younger profile to a field long dominated by incumbents and elder statesmen, while Shapiro, 52, is seen by many as the most credible Democratic alternative who could win back a crucial Rust Belt state. Barbara, a resident of Camarillo, Calif., told Fox News Digital she believes Vance is a "great candidate" who comes from "the team that Trump built" and has the credentials to appeal to the base. She also named Shapiro as the most likely Democratic nominee. "I think he's going to have the most effect because I don't think anybody else has any credibility." If Shapiro faced Newsom, Barbara said, he would "wipe the floor with" the Californian.

Nick from Nashville also named Shapiro as the most viable Democratic prospect. While he predicted Newsom or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., may be the nominee chosen by the base, he said the Democratic National Committee would be smart if it facilitated a Shapiro nomination. Speaking about the future of post-Trump conservatism, Nick said he expects a lot of competing yet largely ideologically unified voices. "I think the conservative party will kind of conglomerate over somebody like Trump. I think Trump's going to have a very big hand and who's going to be the nominee in 2028. But I think the conservative [movement] is still going to be alive. But I think that it's mostly going to be whoever Donald Trump kind of wants, because, you know, he basically built the conservative movement."

Karen from Wisconsin told Fox News Digital, "I'm very much hoping [Republicans choose] JD Vance or Marco Rubio. We have so many good conservatives that could come in and take over. And I hope that we get another eight, 16 more years of Republicans that have put our country in the right direction." She added, "I hope after Charlie Kirk that especially the youth get involved more … because you know, that's how I got involved and I just hope that someone brings up the whole [conservative] program a lot more."

GAVIN NEWSOM DECLARED AS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S 2028 'FRONTRUNNER' BY POLITICO was cited by some attendees as the likely Democratic path. On the Democratic side in 2028, Karen predicted Newsom would be Democrats’ pick. "I seriously don't think [Kamala Harris] is going to get the money-backing, but Newsom probably will try really hard. I hope [the GOP chooses] JD Vance. Ron DeSantis already cleaned the carpet with Newsom [on "Hannity"], so I don't think JD Vance will have much problem, because he is a very well spoken, intelligent, smart man." Amy from Michigan also predicted the Pennsylvanian as the Democrats’ top pick in 2028, envisioning a battle between Vance and Shapiro for the presidency. Elizabeth from San Diego said she hopes it won’t be her governor who gets named the nominee in 2028, but feared it is trending his way more than Shapiro or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, the Hyatt Hotels heir whose name has also been mentioned. Ed, who was also from San Diego, predicted Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take the Republican mantle after Trump.

A representative for Shapiro's 2026 gubernatorial re-election campaign did not offer comment when reached for a response. Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital. Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.