Vance Targets Democrats in Iowa Midterm Push
DES MOINES, Iowa — Vice President J.D. Vance took aim at Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday, striving to bolster support for vulnerable Republicans during the midterm elections.
Addressing a crowd of several hundred at a warehouse manufacturing grills for truck guards, Vance emphasized the unusual nature of the current political landscape. He stated, “This is not a normal election… This is a contest between political parties that want to take all your money and give it to illegal aliens, and gentlemen like Zach Nunn who fight for you every day.”
The event was positioned as both a message from the White House to American workers and a campaign rally for Nunn, who faces a challenging re-election in Iowa’s 3rd District. Democrats view Nunn’s seat as one of three pivotal districts they aim to flip this fall, coinciding with tightly contested gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races in the state.
Vance’s visit to Iowa as vice president holds significant political importance, particularly as the state traditionally hosts the first presidential caucuses. There is growing speculation about Vance’s potential candidacy in the 2028 presidential race, and attendees seemed to expect this visit might mark the start of that journey. Iowa’s Republican Attorney General, Brenna Byrd, expressed this sentiment, welcoming Vance with enthusiasm during her opening remarks.
Zach Nunn, in his introduction, referred to Vance as his “wingman,” praising him as a father figure. The vice president took care to acknowledge each Republican official present, including Governor Kim Reynolds and state party chairman Jeff Kaufman. His speech also featured personal anecdotes and biographical elements familiar to those who have read his memoir, *Hillbilly Elegy*.
Vance poignantly remarked on the disconnect he perceives between Democratic policies and the values of working families. He lamented, “It’s heartbreaking for any child born into a Democratic family to realize that Democrats these days seem to care more about changing your gender than they do about keeping more of your hard-earned money.” Additionally, he shared an emotional moment from his trip, reflecting on the importance of family while meeting Gold Star families in Iowa.
Echoing themes of the midterm elections, Vance asserted, “For years, Democrats have forgotten about Iowa and left rural communities behind.” He noted the collaborative efforts of President Trump, himself, and Zach Nunn to deliver support and initiatives for working families across the region. Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Campaign, underscored these sentiments, pointing to tax cuts and boosts to farming and manufacturing as significant achievements.
The vice president did not shy away from criticizing Nunn’s Democratic opponent, state Senator Sarah Tron Garriott. He encouraged the audience to rally behind Nunn in an anticipated close election, highlighting that Iowa presents a unique opportunity for their party. Meanwhile, reactions from local Republicans suggested strong excitement about Vance’s potential presidential aspirations, even as they expressed admiration for other Republican leaders like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Ted Cruz.
