Live updates: JD Vance to speak soon at Brewer defense manufacturer
BREWER, Maine — Vice President JD Vance arrived in Maine's central region Monday to address workers and supporters at Compotech, a defense technology manufacturer, marking his second visit to the state this year as Republicans seek to capitalize on a crucial election season.
The 11 a.m. event drew dozens of attendees to the company's warehouse, where large banners proclaiming "Defend Our Future" lined the walls. Among those present was former Governor Paul LePage, the Republican nominee challenging State Auditor Matt Dunlap in Maine's competitive 2nd Congressional District race. LePage arrived with his wife and daughter just before 10 a.m.
Not all Republican candidates chose to appear alongside the vice president. Senator Susan Collins, facing Democrat and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson in November's high-stakes Senate contest, signaled over the weekend she would skip the event, telling parade-goers in Madison-Anson she had other commitments but declining to specify where. Bobby Charles, the Republican gubernatorial nominee trailing Democrat Hannah Pingree in recent polls, also said he would not attend, despite having appeared with Vance at a May rally in Bangor.
Inside the warehouse, Republican legislators praised the administration's focus on government accountability. House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor told the crowd that Mainers had grown weary of abuse in the MaineCare program. "For too long, government oversight has looked like pay first, verify later," he said, calling on supporters to vote Republican this fall. Assistant Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington echoed that sentiment, saying working people had been treated "like an afterthought" until President Trump and Vice President Vance took office.
Brewer Mayor Jenn Morin welcomed attendees, drawing connections between Vance, President Trump, and LePage, whom she said exemplified the American dream despite difficult childhoods. "Every child across Maine should have the chance to build a better life," Morin said.
Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the vice president's appearance. Jeff McLain, 60, of Blue Hill, said he had seen Trump twice in person but never Vance. "I like his fiery attitude," McLain said. "He has a lot of gusto, and I like that."
Outside the venue, approximately a dozen protesters gathered in light rain to voice opposition to the administration. David Weeda, 67, of Bucksport, held a sign reading "Stop killing people!"—a reference he said applied to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. "We are becoming the pariah of the world," Weeda said, describing the event as an opportunity to take a public stand against policies he said were driving the nation toward despair.
Assistant Minority Leader Katrina Smith of Palermo said she was pleased national leaders were taking Maine's concerns seriously. "They're addressing it with the people," she said. "It's really good support for the Republicans here in Maine."
The White House has not disclosed the specific topic of Vance's remarks. In May, the vice president delivered a speech on Medicaid fraud and expressed support for Collins and LePage during a rally at Bangor International Airport, though he declined then to endorse in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
