JD Vance Leads 2028 GOP Presidential Poll at AmericaFest in Phoenix

AmericaFest straw poll results and what they show

Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest — one of the largest annual gatherings of young conservatives — ran a straw poll December 18–21 among attendees in Phoenix. Multiple reports show Vice President JD Vance dominated the survey, with TPUSA and media accounts reporting roughly 84% (Fox News cited 84.2%) and some social posts putting Vance at about 82.6%. Local outlets and posts reported different shares for other figures including Marco Rubio, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy (CBS Austin; KFOX-TV).

TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet described the tally as the highest in the poll’s history and evidence that conservatives are “all in” for Vance.

Because the straw poll surveys conference attendees rather than a representative electorate, it should be read as an indicator of activist enthusiasm rather than a definitive prediction of primary outcomes. Nevertheless, the size of Vance’s margin in multiple reports underscores strong momentum inside conservative activist networks.

TPUSA endorsement and organizer support

TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk endorsed Vance publicly at AmericaFest and pledged the organization’s support should he run, signaling coordinated activism and potential help with fundraising and turnout efforts (Times Media/analysis summary).

Vance’s public stance: not yet a candidate

Despite overwhelming straw-poll support, Vance has not launched a 2028 campaign. Reporting indicates his immediate focus remains on the 2026 midterms and discussion with former President Trump before any 2028 decision (Times Media/analysis summary; CBS Austin).

Other poll items and discrepancies in reported tallies

The survey also asked attendees to rank top threats and priorities. Coverage by Fox News listed voter integrity/voter ID, affordability, mass deportations and deep-state accountability among top issues. However, widely shared raw tallies circulating on social media — for example, precise counts attributing 31,008 votes to “radical Islam” — were not verified in established reporting and remain unconfirmed unless TPUSA releases full poll data and methodology.

Cabinet approval and other attitudes

The AmericaFest survey included opinions of Trump administration figures; some coverage noted roughly 29% disapproval for Attorney General Pam Bondi among attendees, indicating attendees will register dissent within broadly pro-Trump circles (CBS Austin).

Media coverage and the broader picture

AmericaFest’s straw poll drew attention from national and local outlets and was amplified on conservative digital platforms and social media (Fox News; CBS Austin; KFOX-TV; event video highlights).

Events like AmericaFest function as organizational signals: they help build momentum, recruit volunteers, and test messaging — especially among younger, highly engaged conservatives.

Methodology and limits — what to watch for

Investigative attention should focus on how TPUSA conducted the vote, who was eligible to participate, and whether results were weighted or were simple attendee tallies. Historically, TPUSA polls event attendees who skew younger and more activist than typical primary voters; that amplification of enthusiasm can influence endorsements and fundraising even if it does not mirror the broader GOP electorate.

Implications for Hesperia, California

Economic impact

• Local donors and small businesses: Energized conservative activity could direct donations and political spending from Hesperia-area conservatives to statewide and national campaigns, potentially boosting local venues, caterers and campaign vendors.
• Policy signals: Vance’s economic messaging on affordability and jobs could resonate, prompting local officials to monitor housing, small-business tax and energy-policy proposals.

Political consequences

• Voter mobilization: TPUSA-aligned outreach may increase turnout in San Bernardino County primaries and shift resources toward registration drives and candidate training.
• Local GOP dynamics: The AmericaFest results could push local leaders to clarify endorsements or delay until electability is clearer.

Social effects

• Community conversations: Immigration and affordability discussions may intensify at town halls and school-board meetings.
• Volunteer networks: Increased recruitment for canvassing and phone banks could raise civic engagement among younger conservatives.

Cultural relevance

Vance’s appeals to traditional values and economic populism may align with many Hesperia residents; local endorsements from faith leaders or business owners could have notable ripple effects.

Practical applications for residents

• Look for local GOP meetings, TPUSA-affiliated events and candidate forums to engage directly with campaign staff.
• Watch local media and city calendars for candidate visits and voter-registration deadlines.

Sources and links

Primary reporting and coverage reviewed for this article include: Fox News: Turning Point poll reveals conservatives ‘all in’ for JD Vance; Times Media/analysis summary; CBS Austin local coverage; KFOX-TV local coverage; and event highlights on YouTube.

Note on unverified figures

Some widely circulated raw vote counts for specific threats (for example counts attributed to “radical Islam,” socialism/Marxism, mass migration or economy/affordability) were not found in the established reporting above and could not be independently verified. Readers and local leaders in Hesperia should treat those raw tallies as unconfirmed until TPUSA or reliable outlets publish full polling data and methodology.