Vance Sees 35-Day GOP Midterm Climb as 2028 Decision Looms
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Oct 2
Vance Sees 35-Day GOP Midterm Climb as 2028 Decision Looms
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Oct 2
Summary
JD Vance said Republicans face an “uphill climb” in the Nov. 3 midterms, though he argued party numbers may be “moving” in their direction with 35 days left.
The vice president said the results will help shape any 2028 decision, calling the elections new information he will weigh while insisting his current focus is electing Republicans.
Vance tied the difficult climate to voter frustration over high gas prices, the unpopular Iran war and broader affordability pressures, while arguing Republicans are still overcoming problems left by Democrats.
Ted Cruz surfaced as an early 2028 foil after saying Vance lacks a lock on the nomination; Vance replied that Cruz is “obvious[ly]” running for president while he is not.
On two volatile campaign issues, Vance took a more mixed line on AI and data centers than Trump, backing accountability for harmful AI products while acknowledging local backlash to power-hungry projects.