Democrats Intensify Criticism of VP Vance Ahead of 2028 Race

Kentucky Governor Beshear slams Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' as 'poverty tourism' during Ohio campaign stop.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:06pm

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While President Donald Trump remains the top Democratic target, some of the party's rising stars are increasingly turning their attention to Vice President JD Vance as they look ahead to the 2028 presidential campaign. In the latest example, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear traveled to Vance's home county in Ohio and sharply criticized the VP's bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' calling it 'hillbilly hate' and 'poverty tourism' during a Democratic fundraiser.

Why it matters

Vance, a former venture capitalist and author, has been viewed as a potential Republican presidential contender in 2028, especially if Trump decides not to run. As Democrats gear up for the next White House race, they are seeking to undermine Vance's political brand and popularity, particularly in key Rust Belt states like Ohio that will be crucial battlegrounds.

The details

During his remarks at the Democratic fundraiser in Butler County, Ohio, Governor Beshear said Vance had 'abandoned the communities that he wrote about' in 'Hillbilly Elegy,' Vance's 2016 memoir that detailed his hardscrabble upbringing. Beshear accused Vance of 'traffick[ing] in tired stereotypes' and claimed the book amounted to 'poverty tourism' since Vance is not originally from Appalachia.

  • On Saturday night, March 28, 2026, Governor Beshear spoke at a Democratic fundraiser in Butler County, Ohio.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States and a potential 2028 Republican presidential contender, known for his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' which detailed his upbringing in Ohio.

Andy Beshear

The Democratic Governor of Kentucky, considered a rising star in the party and someone who is positioning himself for a potential national run in the future.

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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

The takeaway

As Democrats look to the 2028 presidential race, they are increasingly targeting Vice President Vance and his political brand, seeking to undermine his potential appeal as a Republican contender by criticizing his bestselling memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' and accusing him of abandoning the very communities he wrote about.