Vance Tops CPAC Straw Poll as Conservatives Signal Support for a Potential Run

At CPAC, vice-president JD Vance won the conference's straw poll with 53% of the vote from more than 1,600 attendees, ahead of Marco Rubio at 35%. Reuters notes the poll isn't a guaranteed predictor of the eventual nominee but reflects conservative sentiment and ongoing tensions within the MAGA movement, including Marjorie Taylor Greene's departure. The results suggest consolidation behind Vance and Rubio, with no other contender polling above 2%.