Vice President JD Vance visited Iowa on Tuesday, his first trip to the state since taking office, to campaign for Republican Rep. Zach Nunn in a competitive midterm race. The visit also provided Vance, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, an opportunity to gauge his support among Iowa Republicans, who hold significant influence in the GOP nomination process.
Vance, who previously served as an Ohio senator, cast his vote in Ohio’s primary elections before traveling to Iowa. His itinerary also included a fundraiser in Oklahoma City as finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). The Iowa stop is particularly notable as the state hosts the first presidential caucuses, giving its voters outsized sway in shaping the GOP’s nominee.
Campaigning for Nunn
Vance’s appearance in Iowa comes amid a high-stakes midterm election, where Republicans are working to maintain control of the House. Nunn’s race is one of several competitive congressional contests in Iowa, where Democrats are also actively campaigning. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), another potential 2028 presidential contender, recently visited Iowa to support Nunn’s Democratic challenger, state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott.
2028 Presidential Speculation
Vance’s visit has fueled speculation about his presidential ambitions, though he has not formally announced a bid. Jimmy Centers, a Republican political consultant, suggested Vance would likely win a straw poll among Iowa Republicans but noted the 2028 race is still far off. The trip follows a recent visit by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), another potential 2028 candidate, who addressed an influential evangelical group in Iowa.
Republican Strategy in Iowa
Iowa Republicans are focusing on key races, including an open Senate seat and a governor’s race, where Democrats have a presumptive nominee, State Auditor Rob Sand. The Republican-aligned Senate super PAC plans to spend nearly $30 million on advertising in the state. Jeff Kaufmann, Iowa GOP chair, emphasized the state’s importance in national politics, stating that Iowa is ‘in the crosshairs’ due to its competitive races and early caucus role.
Democratic Engagement
Democrats have also increased their presence in Iowa, with Slotkin’s visit highlighting bipartisan interest in the state. The midterm elections are seen as a critical test for both parties, with Republicans aiming to retain their slim House majority and Democrats seeking to gain ground in key races.