Vice President JD Vance arrived in Fairbanks Monday evening to campaign for Republicans in two state races considered toss-ups, marking the first time the Trump administration has sent a principal to Alaska ahead of the midterms. President Donald Trump plans to visit the state 30 days before Election Day to rally for Senator Dan Sullivan.
Vance touched down at Fairbanks International Airport just after 5 p.m. Alaska time aboard Air Force 2. Before departing Joint Base Andrews, he told reporters he had never visited Alaska and fielded questions about the midterm races, foreign pilots flying in U.S. airspace, and a proposed natural gas pipeline in the state.
The rally began with doors opening at 2:15 p.m. Speakers included Alaska Republican Party Chair Carmela Warfield, Governor Mike Dunleavy, and Representative Nick Begich. Security escorted out a protester wearing an anti-Vance shirt.
Senator Dan Sullivan, running for re-election against Democrat Mary Peltola, emphasized energy costs and the proposed LNG pipeline, leading a chant of "Build the Line." He said the gas line would include a spur extending to Fairbanks. During his introduction, Sullivan briefly referred to Vance as "president of the United States" before correcting himself.
Sullivan's remarks on the pipeline came during uncertainty over a reported $54 billion South Korean investment. Trump previously announced the deal, for which Sullivan received considerable praise. Neither Sullivan nor Dunleavy mentioned the investment's uncertain status during their speeches.
Before leaving for Alaska, Vance said the pipeline "is something that is going to happen but still needs to work out details" and acknowledged a "narrative battle between South Korea and the United States" over the project.
Dunleavy commended Sullivan and Begich but avoided directly addressing the gubernatorial race, though three Republican gubernatorial candidates were in the audience. He warned that various projects would come to a "screeching halt" if Democrats are elected.
Sullivan and his wife, Julie, walked off Air Force 2 as the crowd played 'Courtesy of the Red White and Blue.'
