Vice President JD Vance returns to his home state Friday for a rally in Lima, the latest sign that national Republicans are pouring energy into Ohio’s tight midterm races.
Vance will headline the event at the Allen County Regional Airport, according to the Republican National Committee. Doors open at 12:15 p.m., with the vice president scheduled to speak at 1:40 p.m.
The Lima stop is the second of three Ohio rallies in just 10 days. President Donald Trump appeared at an event near Dayton on Oct. 3 and is scheduled to head to Youngstown on Oct. 12.
The appearances reflect Republican anxiety over Ohio’s close U.S. Senate race between Sen. Jon Husted and former Sen. Sherrod Brown for the seat Vance held before becoming vice president. The outcome could determine which party controls the Senate for the remainder of Trump’s term, with polls showing voters frustrated by the cost of living and high gas prices.
“So if you don’t mind, please pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump told supporters at a Dayton-area high school during his most recent Ohio visit.
The governor’s race is also drawing national attention: Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton are locked in a heated contest to replace term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine.
