Vance Calls for High Turnout in 2026 Midterms, Cites Need to Keep 'Crazies' Out

Vice President JD Vance has urged Republican voters to turn out in force for the 2026 midterm elections, asserting that the Trump administration's agenda is at stake and that high participation is crucial to prevent what he termed "crazies" from gaining office. In an interview aboard Air Force Two, Vance expressed concern that voters within President Trump's coalition have not historically demonstrated the same level of engagement in midterm elections as they do in presidential years.

"I really think it’s important to kind of get people to think that … in many ways the president is on the ballot. Yes, I’m on the ballot too, but the entire agenda is on the ballot,” Vance told The Post. “Hopefully that will generate some enthusiasm.”

Vance acknowledged that midterm elections typically see lower enthusiasm among the Republican base, but expressed hope for increased engagement this cycle. Current polling averages show Democrats with an advantage on the generic congressional ballot, a trend that mirrors the lead Democrats held heading into the 2018 midterms. In contrast, the GOP held the advantage in the generic ballot before the 2022 midterms, when they regained control of the House.

According to pollster Brent Buchanan, the Republican coalition exhibits distinct turnout patterns. While Trump's core supporters remain highly engaged, traditional conservatives show less enthusiasm for midterm voting. Buchanan stressed the need for the party to connect with this group by outlining future plans for economic stability and affordability, rather than solely recapping past achievements.

President Trump has sought to boost midterm turnout through various strategies, including hosting the first-ever GOP midterm convention in Dallas and spearheading a redistricting initiative aimed at potentially adding House seats. Historical data indicates significantly lower voter turnout in midterm elections compared to presidential elections.

Projections suggest that a modest increase in voter turnout among Trump supporters in each contested election could be sufficient for Republicans to retain control of both the House and the Senate. Vance echoed Trump's call for voters to treat the midterms as if the president himself were on the ballot.

Vance described the MAGA base as a source of new voters and broad enthusiasm, but noted their tendency to prioritize Trump over the broader Republican party. He stated that Trump's current efforts aim to remind these voters that the "Trump agenda doesn’t work if you elect a bunch of crazy people to Congress."

In a speech at the convention, Vance characterized Democrats as a party driven by "hatred" and a disdain for America and its builders, contrasting them with historical Democratic figures and administrations. Political analyst Henry Olsen suggested that Vance's rhetoric targets not only the Republican base but also swing voters, arguing that turning out Republicans alone is insufficient for victory.