WatchJD Vance to visit Hendersonville next week ahead of midterm electionsby Kimberly King&Marisa Sardonia
3VIEW ALL PHOTOSVice President JD Vance speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Comment on this story0CommentShare storySharetopics: JD VanceAshevilleMidterm electionsU. S. HouseNorth CarolinaJennifer BalkcomDonald TrumpGreenvilleASHEVILLE, N. C. (WLOS) — Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Hendersonville next week to draw attention to the upcoming U. S. House of Representatives race in western North Carolina. Per an email from the Republican National Committee, Vance will hold the event Monday, Oct. 19. The event will take place at noon at 142 Chestnut Gap Road in Hendersonville, with sign-ups available at this link. A Republican Party insider with knowledge of the event spoke on the condition that their name not be used. They confirmed the visit is focused on supporting Republican candidate Jennifer Balkcom, who is running to represent North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Balkcom is facing off against Democrat Jamie Ager, co-owner and CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farm. The latest polling, as reported by The New York Times, says Ager holds a higher favorability rating. TRUMP JOKES ABOUT WITHHOLDING FEMA FUNDING FROM NORTH CAROLINA IF WHATLEY LOSES ELECTION
President Donald Trump will also visit North and South Carolina next week to campaign for Republican candidates, including Michael Whatley and Darlene Graham for the U. S. Senate. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Greenville, North Carolina. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, he is set to speak at a rally in Clemson, South Carolina. Dr. Chris Cooper, a political scientist from Western Carolina University, said it is clear what Trump and Vance hope to achieve by visiting the Carolinas. "One thing this illustrates is that President Trump is going to competitive districts," Cooper said. "There are two competitive districts in the state of North Carolina. The first Congressional District and the 11th Congressional District. "
Cooper said it's clear why Trump chose to visit the Upstate for Darlene Graham, seeing that race as one that Republicans could still pull a win from. PRESIDENT TRUMP BACKS DARLINE GRAHAM IN SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TELE-RALLY
Cooper said rallies won't change a voter's choice or get an undecided voter to vote for a certain candidate. He said it's about registered Republicans and turnout. "What they can do is motivate the base to get off the couch and cast that vote. It's been a problem in the 2018 midterm for Trump voters, and they're trying to solve that in this midterm," he said. Michael Whatley, who is running for the U. S. Senate, is expected to appear at rallies next week with Trump, News 13 has learned.