Vice President Vance Visits Three States to Support Republican Candidates Ahead of Midterms

Vice President JD Vance conducted a day-long campaign trip across three states on Tuesday to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections set for November 2026. The 41-year-old vice president began his day by voting in person in Cincinnati, Ohio, before proceeding to events in Oklahoma and Iowa.

He was accompanied by his 6-year-old son Vivek throughout the trip. In Ohio, Vance cast his ballot at a Maronite Catholic church serving as his polling station. He told reporters he voted for Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and appointed Ohio Sen.

Jon Husted, who is running to fill the remainder of Vance's former Senate term. Vance described Husted as someone who has been good for Ohio, noting Husted faces competition from former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, while Ramaswamy is expected to face former Democratic state health official Amy Acton.

Vance then traveled to Oklahoma City for a lunch fundraiser that raised $2 million for national Republican campaign efforts, according to a person familiar with the event. The fundraiser was hosted by banker Mark Davenport, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, and former ambassador Kelly Craft along with her husband Joe, a coal executive.

Vance serves as finance chair of the Republican National Committee, and the event had no open-press access.

The trip concluded in Des Moines, Iowa, where Vance spoke to about 500 people at a manufacturing facility in the district of incumbent Republican Rep. Zach Nunn. Vance addressed the stakes of the election, stating, 'The fundamental question for us in this election is actually not any specific question of public policy.

It’s not any particular issue.

“It’s not rocket science. It’s a simple principle that if you have a government that fights for you, it can make your life easier it can make it easier for you to start a business or work at an amazing job.”

Vance criticized the Democratic Party's focus on illegal immigration and fraud, and he touted President Trump's policies on trade, tax cuts, pro-ethanol measures, and efforts to prevent large investors from buying single-family homes. He also highlighted his role as chairman of President Trump's anti-fraud task force, describing discoveries from weekly reports as shocking.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who spoke before Vance, noted challenges in obtaining data from blue states related to fraud. Before the rally, Vance met with National Guard members and two pairs of parents who lost children in conflicts with Iran and in Syria.

He expressed condolences, calling the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran a 'little blip in the Middle East' that has caused a spike in oil prices. Vance added that he would be terrified if his own son joined the military and emphasized honoring sacrifices made by service members.

Rep. Zach Nunn praised Vance as someone who understands overlooked communities and the role of a parent who serves, referring to Vance as a Marine and a leader in the midterm efforts. Nunn stated that a midterm victory would allow continuation of tax cuts.

The trip reflects White House strategy to campaign actively, with outcomes influencing President Trump's agenda in his final two years, amid ongoing redistricting battles.