Residents of Middletown Criticize J.D. Vance: ‘I’m Still Looking for What He’s Done’

In Middletown, Ohio, the small town made famous by J.D. Vance’s memoir Hillbilly Elegy, residents are expressing frustration over what they see as a lack of tangible support from their hometown senator-turned-vice-president-elect. Despite Vance’s rise to national prominence, many locals feel his contributions to their community during his two years in the U.S. Senate have been minimal.

According to The Guardian’s Stephen Starr, the response in Middletown to Vance’s historic achievement has been muted. While residents might ordinarily celebrate a local son ascending to such a high office, the town — where 38% of voters supported the Democratic ticket — has shown little enthusiasm. Vance’s election success wasn’t publicly acknowledged by the city until a month later, following pressure from his mother and other supporters.

“The City of Middletown waited a full month before publicly acknowledging Vance and Trump’s election success on its Facebook page. One council member who supports Vance called that ‘unacceptable,’” Starr reported. While discussions are now underway to erect street signs in his honor, city council members initially declined to act on a request from Vance’s mother.

For some residents, the delay reflects broader dissatisfaction with Vance’s track record. Dr. Celeste Didlick-Davis, a community leader, remarked, “When I look around and want to see what this quote-unquote financial heavy hitter has done for this community, I’m still looking. You’ve had two years as a senator – have we had one visit that benefits someone?”

Scotty Robertson, a local Democratic Party member, was similarly critical. “He comes back when he needs to make a political speech. If someone would take me to one thing that JD Vance has made better in Middletown, I’d retract everything I’ve said about him,” he stated.

Concerns also extend to Vance’s stance on immigration. Adriane Scherrer, a business owner, shared that locals are worried about the impact of potential deportation policies. “I’m hearing from people who are concerned that their grandmom is going to get deported. That is really sending chills up people’s spines,” she explained. Scherrer added, “There’s no recognition of the damage that deportations would do.”

Summing up the sentiment, Didlick-Davis said, “I just see my community being overlooked and underserved.” As Middletown waits for meaningful action, the gap between Vance’s political rise and his hometown’s struggles remains stark.