Vance campaigns in Iowa for midterms
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The gist
Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Council Bluffs, Iowa, endorsing Zach Lahn for governor.
It's his second Iowa stop this year as key races tighten before November.
Background
Vance's Council Bluffs rally is part of a broader midterm push; he has been one of the administration's most visible surrogates, traveling to Kansas, Wisconsin and Ohio. Iowa, once a Republican stronghold, now has competitive races for the Senate and governor's mansion. Vance first visited Iowa as vice president in May, campaigning with Rep. Zach Nunn, and other Trump administration figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have also appeared with Iowa Republicans recently.
How it unfolded
- Sep 16, 2026An RNC event schedule lists Vance to speak Friday at a midterm rally in Council Bluffs, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and Vance taking the stage around 12:10 p.m.
- Sep 18, 2026Vance arrives in Omaha and speaks at the Council Bluffs rally, primarily endorsing Zach Lahn for governor and opening by honoring veterans.
- Sep 21, 2026Vance urges Iowa Republicans to turn out in November.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Vance warned this year is 'not a normal election' and 'not a normal political environment,' touting the administration's tax and tariff policies.
- Party
- Rep. Ashley Hinson's campaign said she will not attend the rally due to previously scheduled events.