Ken Griffin expresses support for Marco Rubio over JD Vance for 2028 GOP primary

Ken Griffin, a prominent Republican donor, stated at a private conference on July 8, 2026, that he would support Marco Rubio over JD Vance in the upcoming 2028 GOP presidential primary. Griffin, who has contributed over $100 million to the Republican Party, indicated that his backing would be significant for Rubio's potential candidacy. The comments highlight a divide within the GOP, with establishment figures like Griffin favoring Rubio, while anti-establishment supporters lean towards Vance due to his cautious stance on foreign involvement. Griffin made these remarks during an interview with New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin at the Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Historically, Griffin has supported Rubio, including during Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign. However, Rubio has indicated he would defer to Vance if Vance decides to run in 2028. Griffin has previously criticized Donald Trump and supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP primary, but has since sought to align with Trump, attending a White House dinner with financial industry executives in November 2025.