Democrats Sharpen Criticism of Vance as They Look Past Trump to 2028

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear leads the charge against the Vice President, seen as a potential 2028 Republican presidential contender.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Democrats are increasingly focusing their criticism on Vice President JD Vance, rather than former President Donald Trump, as they prepare for the 2028 presidential election. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear traveled to Vance's home county in Ohio to criticize Vance's memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and accuse him of abandoning the communities he wrote about. Other Democrats like Congressman Ro Khanna and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have also targeted Vance as a potential future Republican nominee.

Why it matters

Vance, a rising Republican star, is seen as a potential successor to the coalition that twice elected Trump. Democrats are trying to get ahead of defining Vance and undermine his political future before he can mount a presidential run in 2028.

The details

Vance rose to prominence with the publication of his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" in 2016, which earned him a reputation for explaining Trump's appeal among working-class, rural white voters. Vance later won election to the U.S. Senate in 2022 and was chosen as Trump's running mate, becoming Vice President. Democrats are now working to undercut Vance's background and reputation, with Beshear accusing him of "trafficking in tired stereotypes" and "poverty tourism" in his book.

  • Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
  • Vance was chosen as Trump's running mate and became Vice President in 2025.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President and a rising Republican star, seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender. Vance rose to prominence with his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" and later won election to the U.S. Senate in 2022 before becoming Trump's running mate.

Andy Beshear

The Democratic Governor of Kentucky, who traveled to Vance's home county in Ohio to criticize him and his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy". Beshear is positioning himself as someone who can reach voters who have tuned out the Democratic party.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California who was among the first Democrats to begin focusing criticism on Vance, attempting to cast him as more extreme than Trump.

Josh Shapiro

The Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania and a potential 2028 presidential contender, who has singled out Vance as a "total phony".

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California, who has aggressively gone after Vance, coining the nickname "JD 'Just Dance' Vance" and mocking his appearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“JD 'Just Dance' Vance”

— Gavin Newsom

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.