Vice president candidate JD Vance to address Middletown crowd after Biden dropped out

Since former President Donald Trump announced Ohio's Sen. JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate last week, Vance has been touting his Midwestern roots.

So it makes sense Vance chose his hometown of Middletown to make his solo campaign stop Monday. And while it's expected Vance will play up his blue-collar roots, the rally will now serve as his first campaign event for the Trump ticket since President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race Sunday.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. And, while there's no certainty about exactly what's next for the Democratic presidential ticket, Vance has already voiced his opinion on social media.

“President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoever’s at the top of the Democrat ticket," Vance wrote on X, shortly after Biden's announcement.” He echoed Republicans’ attempts to incorporate Harris into their existing criticism of the Biden administration on immigration and inflation, saying that she had been with the president “every step of the way.”

Separately, he posted, "If Joe Biden ends his reelection campaign, how can he justify remaining President? Not running for reelection would be a clear admission that President Trump was right all along about Biden not being mentally fit enough to serve as Commander-in-Chief. There is no middle ground."

Even before Biden dropped out of the race, Middletown made sense as the choice for Vance's first solo rally. He grew up there and graduated from Middletown High School in 2003.

During his speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Vance mentioned Middletown several times.

"And I promise you one more thing – the people of Middletown, Ohio, and all the forgotten communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and every corner of our nation," Vance said, "I promise you this – I will never forget where I came from."

Vance bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," centers around his chaotic childhood in Ohio, one plagued by familial trauma, domestic violence, generational patterns of abuse and addiction. Vance recalled happier memories of visiting relatives in Jackson, Kentucky, but also wrote about issues faced by residents there, such as poverty and substance abuse. Many of Vance's Middletown neighbors were Appalachian transplants, which he talks about in the book. Middletown, though, is not part of Appalachia, and critics say Vance has misrepresented his connection to the region.

So what Vance says about his background at the rally will be closely watched.

Vance returns to Ohio after hitting the campaign trail on Saturday with Trump in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an important battle ground state.

Vance's campaign stop makes sense, said Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Russell Mock. "It’s how he became who he is. Our past sets forth where we end up."

Mock said he believes Vance has a life story that will resonate with voters.

"There are blue-collar roots and family struggles," Mock said. "He said it best; he didn’t have it easy. He served his country and made his way to one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. He's the whole package."

Trump's campaign team rented out space at Middletown High School for the rally.

Dan Wohler, spokesperson for Middletown City Schools, said the district does not endorse any political candidate but officials are happy to see all graduates, including Vance, find career success. The district's rental policy allows for politicians, religious groups and others to reserve school buildings for events over the summer.

Vance is scheduled to speak in Radford, Virginia, after he leaves Middletown. His rally at Dedmon Center at Radford University is set for 6 p.m.

What to know about Vance's Monday visit

• When: 1:30 p.m.

• Doors open: 10:30 a.m.

• Where: Middletown High School, 601 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown, Ohio.

• Ticket information: Tickets are available on the Trump campaign website.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: JD Vance set for Middletown rally Monday after Biden drops out