COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) Vice President JD Vance on Friday mounted a vigorous defense of the Trump administration's policies while campaigning for Iowa GOP candidates on the November ballot. During his visit, he characterized the Democratic Party as the group of "lunatics," a sentiment he expressed during his second trip to Iowa this year.
In his address, Vance sought to nationalize the significance of the upcoming elections, referencing Democratic candidates from other states like Kansas, Texas, and New York. This approach contrasts with Iowa's Democratic ticket, which has focused on local issues. Vance criticized Iowa's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Rob Sand, portraying him as a "career politician" lacking true moderate ideals despite his outward persona.
“Let’s send the crazy packing and get them out of Washington, D.C., and get them out of Des Moines,” Vance urged the crowd at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, which is located on the west edge of a state that was once a Republican stronghold. In this cycle, Iowa faces competitive races for both the Senate and the governor’s mansion.
Zach Lahn, the GOP nominee for governor, joined Vance on stage, receiving high praise from the vice president. Notably absent from the rally was Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, the party's Senate candidate, who did not attend due to previously scheduled commitments, according to her campaign.
Interestingly, Council Bluffs is also home to Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for Senate, who represents the area in the Statehouse. Turek, ahead of Vance’s visit, expressed concerns in a fundraising appeal, stating, “It’s no mystery why Vance is here. It’s because his billionaire bosses are terrified that their grip over Iowa is slipping and with it, their narrow Senate majority.”
During his speech, Vance highlighted job growth attributed to the Trump administration, receiving cheers for efforts on immigration and border security. He elaborated on a series of accomplishments, including initiatives to secure “most favored nation” pricing for prescription drugs, protection of Social Security, and the promise not to tax tips and overtime wages. Particularly for Iowa, he expressed pride in the administration’s work to expand global markets for American agricultural products.
Despite touting these accomplishments, Vance urged voters to remain patient, reminding them, “Whenever you hear me talk during this midterm campaign, I’ll say Rome was not built in a day, because we know there’s a lot of work to do.”
This event in Iowa was Vance's first as vice president since May, where he had campaigned alongside Representative Zach Nunn, one of the GOP’s most vulnerable incumbents. Nunn and another Iowa Republican, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, recently voted on a symbolic measure to halt the war in Iran. This situation highlights ongoing political challenges within the Republican Party stemming from military decisions made during Trump’s administration.
As one of the most visible surrogates on the midterm campaign trail, Vance has visited various states, including Kansas, Wisconsin, and his home state of Ohio, to promote Republican candidates and highlight the accomplishments of the administration.
The rally took place in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which is being vacated by Republican Representative Randy Feenstra. Competing for this seat are Democrat Dave Dawson and Republican Chris McGowan, although this particular race is not seen as one of the more competitive contests this election cycle.
Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, remarked that Vance’s visit signals that Republican candidates may be facing challenges as November draws nearer. In her statement, she indicated, “Iowans have had enough of their D.C.-first, Iowa-last priorities and will hold them all accountable for their agenda that’s caused skyrocketing prices at the pump, grocery stores, and doctor’s office.”
