VP candidate JD Vance rallies supporters in Tucson as AZ early voting starts

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Ohio Senator and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance visited Tucson Wednesday as part of his campaign with former President Donald Trump.

About 400 to 500 supporters gathered at the rally at Tucson Speedway to see Vance speak in the unseasonable heat.

Vance went after Vice President Kamala Harris in his comments, which lasted around 25 minutes.

“The inflation, the high price of groceries, the high price of gasoline, the high price of housing, the wide open southern border. It’s not because of any person except for Kamala Harris,” he said.

“Don’t let her run away from her record. It is Kamala Harris’ fault that this country is not doing as well as it should.”

That’s been a common battle cry for republicans. Their new message this election: encouraging voters to vote early.

“I don’t like election season, I like Election Day,” Vance said. “But we are where we are, my friends. We’ve got election season and if the Democrats are taking advantage of it, we’ve got to do the exact same thing.”

Vance’s trip to Tucson comes the same day early ballots are mailed out across Arizona.

Voters at the rally who spoke with KGUN support the republican ticket’s policies and Vance as a person.

“I think he’s intelligent, he’s committed, he’s well-spoken, I just like everything about him,” said Elizabeth Rose.

“One of us. Just low-key, average person,” said Craig Hoffsmith.

“The fact that he even said something against Trump way back when, but then has learned and seen that he’s a true, I call him a leader,” added Jim Tucker.

Arizona is battleground state and a big focus for visits from both campaigns. While Democratic VP candidate Gov. Tim Walz visits Tucson Wednesday evening, Vance went to another event in the Phoenix area later Wednesday.

Dave Smith, chairman of the Pima County Republican Party, emphasized the importance of Pima County, calling it a "pivotal" battleground in the upcoming election. Smith noted the growing attention from both parties and highlighted the significance of Vance’s visit, especially as early voting starts across Arizona.

According to Smith, some voters in Pima County, traditionally Democratic-leaning, may be reconsidering their choices, signaling a potential shift toward the Republican Party.