JD Vance swaps podium for beer taps during surprise Cincinnati restaurant stop

CINCINNATI, OHIO: Vice President JD Vance traded his political speech for beer taps and cheese coneys Friday, August 21, when he stopped at Price Hill Chili following an event in Middletown, Ohio.

Vance was in the Cincinnati area to promote the Trump administration's “America First” economic agenda at the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works steel plant, where he spoke about a $1 billion investment and highlighted his ties to the Rust Belt. After the event, he headed to the Cincinnati restaurant, where a packed crowd greeted him with cheers and chants of “JD! JD! JD! JD!”

The visit offered a more casual of Vance, who shook hands with supporters, handed out cheese coneys and even poured beers for customers.

JD Vance gets a hometown-style welcome at Price Hill Chili

Vance walked into the restaurant's packed Golden Fleece Lounge to loud applause before quickly getting into the spirit of the stop.

“What's better, Skyline or Price Hill Chili?” Vance joked as he entered.

He then moved through the crowd, greeting guests and handing out cheese coneys.

Vance also joked about his long relationship with the Cincinnati favorite, saying he has been eating the local delicacy since he was 4 years old.

The restaurant has become a familiar stop for politicians over the years, but Vance's appearance had a distinctly personal feel as he returned to the Cincinnati area, where he has strong local ties.

He was joined by Eric Conroy, a Republican candidate running against incumbent Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman in Ohio's 1st Congressional District.

JD Vance brings politics into his Cincinnati visit

While the restaurant stop was informal, Vance did not leave politics completely behind.

Speaking about the congressional race, he pointed to the changing political landscape of the district and said Republicans now have a serious opportunity.

“I guess I knew this but forgot it, that this district used to be very hard for Republicans to win, but we've redrawn it, and it's now one of the 10 most competitive races in the country,” Vance said. 

Vance also took aim at Landsman, accusing him of supporting what he described as “crazy, left-wing ideas” before returning to Cincinnati and presenting himself as a local figure.

“He's one of those guys who votes for crazy, left-wing ideas, and then comes home and pretends to be a west sider,” Vance said.

JD Vance highlights Rust Belt roots at Middletown steel plant

Earlier Friday, Vance had a more formal stop at the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works steel plant, where his grandfather James Vance once worked.

During his speech, Vance highlighted his family connection to the area while promoting the Trump administration's manufacturing agenda.

 He also spoke about how the Democratic Party his “Papaw” once supported has changed.

The Middletown appearance marked Vance's first return to the city since he campaigned there shortly after Donald Trump selected him as his running mate during the 2024 election.

Vance was also expected to make a stop at his Cincinnati-area home while in town.