HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Vice President JD Vance visited western North Carolina on Monday to rally support for two Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.
An estimated 200 to 300 people packed Hyder Warehouse in Hendersonville to hear from Vance, joined by Republican candidates Jennifer Balkcom, who is running to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, and Michael Whatley, who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina.
During the event, Vance urged voters to support both candidates, saying they would prioritize the needs of North Carolinians.
“The reason why we’re fighting for them is because they are the rare breed that fights for people of North Carolina first and is going to shake up that establishment and fight for you for a change,” Vance said.
Both candidates also took the stage to discuss their priorities if elected.
WATCH: JD VANCE SPEAKS AT RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE AHEAD OF MIDTERM ELECTIONS
“President Trump and Vice President Vance need an ally who will work to lower costs, create more jobs, protect your families and preserve the American dream,” Whatley said.
Balkcom highlighted protecting North Carolina’s farmland as one of her priorities.
“We also have to protect our farmers. Our farmland is all we have; once it’s gone, we are in no way getting it back,” she said.
Throughout his remarks, Vance addressed several national and state issues, including taxes, immigration, border security and crime in North Carolina. He also criticized Democrats over high oil prices. Vance emphasized his position on immigration and employment.
“American jobs ought to go to American citizens, not to people who don’t have the legal right to be here,” he said.
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Beyond the campaign messages, Vance turned his attention to western North Carolina’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, announcing additional federal disaster relief funding for damaged roads and highways.
“We’re announcing $858 million in additional disaster relief funding for the Department of Transportation. We’re going to rebuild eight major corridors destroyed by Hurricane Helene, including, of course, the I-40 and Pigeon River Gorge,” he said.
The announcement comes more than two years after Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, leaving major transportation corridors damaged and communities working to rebuild. Whatley also addressed the region’s recovery, pledging continued support for communities affected by the storm.
“The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and our communities are resilient, and I will never stop working for you to make sure that you have the resources and support that you need,” Whatley said.
Vance, Balkcom and Whatley encouraged attendees to head to the polls in the upcoming November election.
