Vance Tells Wisconsin Voters 'American Dream' Is on the Ballot

Vice president speaks to supporters and employees at Wisconsin machining facility

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:35pm

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Vice President JD Vance spoke to Wisconsin voters at the Pointe Precision machining facility in Plover, Wisconsin, telling the crowd that the future of the country is on the line in the upcoming midterm elections. Vance emphasized stark policy differences between the Democratic and Republican agendas, and strongly endorsed Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is running for reelection in the state's competitive Third Congressional District.

Why it matters

The vice president's visit to the swing state of Wisconsin highlights the high stakes of the midterm elections, as both parties vie for control of Congress. Vance's message about the 'American dream' being on the ballot resonates with voters concerned about the direction of the country.

The details

Vance spoke to an audience of supporters and 165 employees of the Pointe Precision machining company, which specializes in 'mission critical' materials for the aerospace and medical industries. He emphasized the importance of 'dignified work' and 'making America and the whole community richer.' Vance also criticized Democratic Party representatives for not standing and cheering during President Trump's State of the Union speech, and vowed to combat government corruption and fraud.

  • Vice President Vance spoke at the event on February 26, 2026.
  • President Trump is scheduled to appear in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.

The players

JD Vance

The current vice president of the United States, known for his populist and conservative political views.

Derrick Van Orden

A Republican congressman running for reelection in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District.

Kelly Loeffler

The current administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Mehmet Oz

The administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is currently on a tour of states nationwide with Vice President Vance.

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What they’re saying

“Here's the thing about the American dream: The government cannot give it to you. But the government, with bad policy and bad leadership, it can destroy the American dream, whatever shape it takes, and the lives of you and your children.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“This is really a battle of common sense versus crazy.”

— Kelly Loeffler, Small Business Administration Administrator

“Do we give power to the people who fight for corruption, fight for fraud, fight for illegal aliens? Or do we give the government to the American citizens for whom it was designed and for whom it was created?”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“We have way too many people that got too comfortable getting rich off of your tax dollars instead of providing the services that they need. We have fraudsters getting rich off of your generosity.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“Why don't we stop allowing congressmen and congresswomen to get rich off of insider trading?”

— JD Vance, Vice President

What’s next

President Trump is scheduled to appear in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday to continue the tour with Vice President Vance touting their economic and national security agendas.

The takeaway

The vice president's visit to Wisconsin highlights the high-stakes nature of the upcoming midterm elections, as both parties battle for control of Congress. Vance's message about the 'American dream' being on the ballot resonates with voters concerned about the country's direction, underscoring the stark policy differences between the Democratic and Republican agendas.