JD Vance visits Maine factory to promote manufacturing and campaign for Republicans

Vice President JD Vance visited Brewer, Maine, on Monday to visit Compotech, a defense technology manufacturer, where he promoted the administration’s economic policies and a “manufacturing renaissance.” During the visit, Vance advocated for Republican candidates, including U.S. House candidate Paul LePage, and criticized Democratic state auditor Matt Dunlap regarding taxpayer fraud.

Vance also used the event to campaign for Senator Susan Collins, despite her absence from the rally due to a scheduling conflict. He described Collins as a “very independent friend” and a lawmaker focused on her constituents rather than party ideology. This comes amid a competitive 2026 reelection race for Collins against Democrat Troy Jackson.

In a separate engagement in Ohio, Vance announced a $1 billion investment in the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works plant, supported by a $500 million federal grant, aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing.