On Thursday, Ohio Senator JD Vance faced a mixed reception as he took the stage at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) convention in Boston. The crowd’s reaction included a notable amount of boos, a response that Vance addressed with characteristic composure. “It sounds like we’ve got a mix of supporters and critics here, and that’s perfectly alright. I’m here to share my message and make my case,” Vance said with a smile.
Vance, who is running as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Donald Trump, expressed his gratitude to IAFF President Edward Kelly and the members of the union. “It’s truly an honor to be among America’s dedicated firefighters,” Vance stated. “You embody the American spirit with your heroism, determination, and selflessness. You deserve a government that stands by you.”
Acknowledging that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had spoken at the IAFF convention the previous day, Vance praised the union’s decision to hear from both political sides. “I respect this union for allowing diverse viewpoints to be heard,” Vance said, earning applause from some audience members.
Walz’s speech on Wednesday highlighted the Democratic Party’s commitment to labor unions, which have long been a cornerstone of Democratic support. In contrast, the GOP is making significant efforts to appeal to labor groups as well. For instance, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, while United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain addressed the Democratic National Convention last week.
In his remarks, Vance shared a personal story about his mother’s battle with addiction and how firefighters offer critical support to those affected. “You make a difference every day,” he concluded, expressing gratitude for their work. He then shifted to discussing his campaign, asserting that he and Trump are the most pro-worker Republican ticket ever. “We’re committed to fighting for both union and non-union workers,” Vance said, which was met with additional boos.
Harris’ campaign quickly took to social media to criticize Vance, accusing him of attempting to undermine workers’ rights. “JD Vance’s pitch was a thinly veiled attempt to attack labor protections,” said Sarafina Chitika, a senior spokesperson for Kamala Harris.
Despite the mixed reactions, Vance remained resolute. “Whether you support us or not, President Trump and I are dedicated to supporting firefighters and first responders,” he promised. His campaign team chose not to comment further on the controversy, while Trump’s campaign shared footage of applause for Vance’s stances on various issues, including vaccine mandates.