Democrats Shift Focus to Vance Ahead of 2028 Election

Kentucky governor calls Vance's memoir "poverty tourism" as Democrats prepare to take on the VP as a potential 2028 nominee

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:33am

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As Vice President JD Vance is seen as a potential Republican presidential nominee for 2028, Democrats are already beginning to focus their attacks on him. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Vance's memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" as "hillbilly hate" and "poverty tourism", while other Democrats like Rep. Ro Khanna and California Governor Gavin Newsom have also taken aim at Vance. Democrats view taking on Vance now as an "audition" for the 2028 election, with the party seen as more focused on defending the president than the vice president.

Why it matters

Vance's status as the heir apparent to the Trump coalition makes him a key target for Democrats looking ahead to the 2028 election. By attacking Vance now, Democrats hope to define him and undermine his potential presidential aspirations before he can gain too much momentum.

The details

Democrats, especially those who could run for their party's nomination in 2028, have begun focusing their attacks on Vice President JD Vance. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Vance's memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" as "hillbilly hate" and "poverty tourism", while Rep. Ro Khanna and California Governor Gavin Newsom have also taken aim at Vance. Democratic strategist Lis Smith said every line of criticism of Vance is an "audition" for 2028, as the party sees Vance as a clear front-runner for the Republican nomination.

  • In November 2022, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro singled out Vance, calling him "a total phony".
  • In March 2026, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized Vance at a Democratic fundraiser in Vance's home county in Ohio.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President, who is seen as a potential Republican presidential nominee for 2028.

Andy Beshear

The Democratic Governor of Kentucky, who criticized Vance's memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" as "hillbilly hate" and "poverty tourism".

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman who was among the first to begin focusing attacks on Vance.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California, who has mocked Vance's appearance and nicknamed him "JD 'Just Dance' Vance".

Lis Smith

A Democratic strategist who said every line of criticism of Vance is an "audition" for 2028.

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What they’re saying

“His book Hillbilly Elegy was really hillbilly hate. It is poverty tourism, because he ain't from Appalachia.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

“JD Vance is a total phony.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

“There's definitely value in taking on Vance to show Democrats, hey, this could be me on the debate stage against him.”

— Lis Smith, Democratic strategist

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.