Vance tells Iowa audience in first state appearance as VP: 'This is not a normal election'

Vance made his Iowa debut in Des Moines, where he touted Iowa GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, who is facing a tough re-election campaign in the state's 3rd District. Democrats are hoping to flip Nunn's seat in November, along with two others.

Published: May 5, 2026 10:47pm

Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday evening warned an Iowa audience that the upcoming midterm elections in November are not a "normal election," because of the stakes and political atmosphere in the country.

Vance made his Iowa debut in Des Moines, where he touted Iowa GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, who is facing a tough re-election campaign in the state's 3rd District. Democrats are hoping to flip Nunn's seat in November, along with two others in Iowa.

“This is not a normal election,” Vance told the crowd of several hundred attendees. “This is not a normal political environment. This is a contest between a party that wants to take all of your money and give it to illegal aliens and a contest between gentlemen like Zach Nunn who fight every single day for you.”

Vance claimed Democrats in the nation's capital seem to care more about transgender issues and woke policies than the American people, but that he was confident Democrats like the ones he knew growing up still existed in Iowa.

“It’s heartbreaking for a kid who came from a union Democrat family to realize that Democrats, these days, they seem to care more about gender transition than they do about you keeping more of your hard-earned money,” Vance said. “And I really do believe this, that there are Democrats like my Mamaw and Papaw all over the great state of Iowa. But I hate to say it, and I hate to break it to you, but there are none left in Washington, D.C.”

The vice president's appearance in the state was also significant because he is widely believed to be a top contender for the Republican nomination for president in 2028. Iowa is one of the first states to hold a primary during a presidential election year.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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