Vance Rallies Supporters in Rocky Mount, Touts Trump Economy

Vice President JD Vance visited North Carolina's 1st District to promote the Trump administration's economic agenda and energize Republican voters.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:48pm

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Vice President JD Vance visited Rocky Mount, North Carolina on Friday to promote the Trump administration's economic policies and rally Republican support in the state's 1st Congressional District ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Vance touted the administration's efforts to lower prices, increase wages, and boost domestic manufacturing, contrasting them with what he characterized as the Democrats' failed economic approach. The event also featured Republican congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout, who is challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis, as well as former GOP state party chairman Michael Whatley, the Republican nominee for the US Senate race.

Why it matters

The visit to North Carolina's 1st District, which has historically leaned Democratic but has become more competitive in recent elections, reflects the national political importance of the region as both parties ramp up their efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms. With control of Congress potentially at stake, visits like Vance's are expected to become more common in the area.

The details

Speaking to a crowd of several hundred supporters, Vance centered his message on the Trump administration's economic policies, saying they are focused on lowering everyday costs, increasing wages, and encouraging growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and efforts to expand domestic manufacturing. Vance criticized Democratic leaders in the state, including Rep. Don Davis and former Gov. Roy Cooper, accusing them of aligning with the party's national agenda and failing to address the needs of North Carolinians. Republican congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout also addressed the crowd, framing her campaign as a push to bring stronger leadership and accountability to the region.

  • Vance visited Rocky Mount on Friday, March 16, 2026.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who previously served as a US Senator from Ohio.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose economic policies Vance was promoting during the event.

Don Davis

The current Democratic US Representative for North Carolina's 1st Congressional District, who Vance criticized during the event.

Laurie Buckhout

The Republican congressional candidate challenging Rep. Don Davis in North Carolina's 1st District.

Michael Whatley

The former chairman of the Republican National Committee and the GOP nominee for the US Senate race in North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“My friends, the president is impatient. He is the most impatient person I have ever met. In fact, he is constantly pressing on the gas. He wants us to do more. But I stand here proud to say that after the first year of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans' leadership, we are rebuilding the American dream and we are taking back this country for the people of this state.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“Don Davis is not a man who stands for the people of this state or this district. He is a person who does exactly what Nancy Pelosi tells him to do, and in November, we're going to send him home and get him out of Washington, DC.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“For 143 years, we've had one-party control in this district, and still nothing has been done. We've been told to wait, to be patient, that growth is coming. But the growth has never arrived.”

— Laurie Buckhout, Republican congressional candidate

“Let's have a real conversation without the lights, cameras and the attacks. These are real issues impacting families, all of our families, and it's so important for us to keep fighting for them.”

— Don Davis, US Representative

What’s next

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The takeaway

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