US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pushing back on speculation about a 2028 presidential bid, saying he is not currently planning to seek the White House while leaving open the possibility of a future run, NBC News reported on Wednesday.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I have no plans at this time," Rubio was quoted as having told Colombian station RCN.

“I’m not a candidate for anything right now. And I’m 100% focused on my job, and I have to be because I have two jobs," added Rubio, who also serves as President Donald Trump’s interim national security adviser.

Rubio has conveyed a similar message privately. A person familiar with the matter told NBC News that Rubio recently told at least one person that he does not intend to run in 2028, while emphasizing that he is enjoying his current position and remains open to future possibilities.

“Rubio loves being secretary of state and is really enjoying the job," the person said. “The president trusts him to have a big portfolio. He is still young, and smart in both policy and politics, and is keeping his options open for the future"

“If you asked him if he’s interested in 2032 or 2036, he would probably say sure," the person added.

The State Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

With Republicans preparing for a post-Trump era, much of the early succession speculation has focused on Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. A decision by Rubio not to seek the nomination in 2028 would leave Vance with a clearer path.

A person close to Vance said the vice president plans to consider a presidential campaign after the midterm elections, although that does not mean he will immediately decide or announce whether he will run.

Neither Rubio nor Vance has publicly committed to a 2028 campaign. Trump, however, has repeatedly praised both men and has even informally tested the crowd's reaction to a potential contest between them.

“You look at Marco, you look at JD Vance, who’s fantastic," Trump told NBC News in May 2025, when asked who could carry his MAGA movement forward after his presidency. “You look at - I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here."

At a Rose Garden event on May 11, Trump asked attendees, “Alright, let’s go, you ready? Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?" Both men received applause.

Trump later floated the possibility of the two joining forces on a presidential ticket.

“By the way, I do believe that’s a dream team, but these are minor details," he said to laughter from the audience. “That does not mean you have my endorsement under any circumstance."

In August of last year, Trump said that while it is premature to anoint a successor for the 2028 presidential race, Vance is currently the leading contender to carry the Republican torch while also mentioning Rubio as a strong potential running mate for Vance.

Rubio has previously said he would support Vance if the vice president seeks the presidency in 2028.

Rubio is no stranger to presidential campaigns. He sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing to Trump in his home state of Florida, eventually backing Trump.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio entered the Senate in 2010 and remained there until 2025, when the Senate confirmed him as secretary of state by a 99-0 vote.

Speculation about another White House bid has nevertheless followed Rubio into his tenure as secretary of state, at times fueled by his own comments. In May, when asked about his hopes for the country, he said, “My hope for America is what it’s always been. I think it’s the hope I hope we all share," Rubio said in May in response to a question in the White House briefing room. “We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything, where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, by the color of your skin, by your ethnicity but, frankly, it’s a place where you are able to overcome challenges and achieve your full potential."