Vice President Vance Visits Wisconsin, Highlights Midterm Stakes

Vance praises GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden during stop at Pointe Precision manufacturing facility in Plover.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:26am

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Vice President JD Vance visited central Wisconsin on Thursday, using a stop in Plover to promote the Trump administration's economic agenda and rally support ahead of the midterm elections. Vance praised Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden, who is expected to face a tough re-election battle, and credited him with advancing several tax proposals. The visit came just two days after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address and underscored the political importance of Wisconsin, a key battleground state.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the political significance of Wisconsin, a crucial swing state, as the 2024 midterm elections approach. Vance's praise of Van Orden suggests the administration views the 3rd Congressional District race as a key battleground, with the outcome potentially impacting the balance of power in Congress.

The details

Vance visited the Pointe Precision manufacturing facility in Plover, where he praised the company's 165 employees and the work ethic of the region. He credited Van Orden, the local Republican congressman, with advancing several tax proposals favored by the administration. Van Orden and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for Wisconsin governor, also spoke at the event, which organizers estimated was attended by about 300 people.

  • On February 27, 2026, Vice President JD Vance visited Plover, Wisconsin.
  • The visit came just two days after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, visiting Wisconsin as part of the Trump administration's efforts to rally support ahead of the midterm elections.

Derrick Van Orden

The Republican Congressman representing Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, who is expected to face a tough re-election battle.

Tom Tiffany

The only Republican candidate currently running for Wisconsin governor.

Joe Kinsella

The founder of Pointe Precision, the manufacturing facility that hosted the Vice President's visit.

Patrick Testin

The Wisconsin state senator who has served in the legislature since 2017 and has been Senate president pro tempore since 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Wisconsin is a state with a proud tradition of building great American products with Wisconsin hands, and that is what we are here to celebrate today in this great facility.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“No taxes on tips, that happened because of Derrick. No taxes on overtime, that happened because of Derrick. No taxes on Social Security, that happened because of Derrick. So are we going to send Derrick Van Orden back to Washington? Yes.”

— JD Vance, Vice President

“The White House understands that Wisconsin is incredibly important. We are a microcosm of the United States and what has to happen to make America great again.”

— Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative

“Are you kidding me? He came to Plover. Plover. It's been a very long week. But it's a wonderful opportunity for our employees. They worked hard all week with the Secret Service in getting this thing set up.”

— Joe Kinsella, Founder, Pointe Precision

“It's an amazing historic mark for central Wisconsin. It says a lot about the work ethic in this part of the state.”

— Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator

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 visit highlights the political importance of Wisconsin as a battleground state, with the Trump administration seeking to rally support and boost key Republican candidates like Derrick Van Orden ahead of the crucial 2024 midterm elections.