Jackson residents react to JD Vance’s new job title

JACKSON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — After Tuesday's election, JD Vance can now put a different pair of letters before his last name, VP.

Although he was born in Middletown, Ohio, growing up, he spent summers in Jackson living with his grandparents. And many locals claim him as one of their own.

MORE POLITICAL NEWS:

"The man who is Vice President of the United States, who in 8 years, 4 years, whatever it is, could be President of the United States, walked our streets. He ate in our restaurants, and he was in our community. That's interesting. No matter which political party you're from," said Stephen Bowling, Director of Breathill County Public Library.

With Jackson's population of only about 2,000 people, many locals see Vance as family. And for some... he is.

"There have been quite a few people who have found out they're related. We've had just since the election on Tuesday; we've just crossed over the 100 hallmark for stopping in for people who are looking for those familial connections," Bowling said.

Vance's best-selling book, "Hillbilly Elegy," which was also turned into a Netflix movie, highlights his humble beginnings. It's something that voters in the area really resonated with.

"I think he feels a little bit what we feel, you know, back in here. I think he's been in that spot. It's been rough, but we've been making it and I just hope things get better," said Jackson resident Greg Hudson.

On election night, Vance addressed the nation alongside President-elect, Donald Trump, saying "Under President Trump's leadership, we're never going to stop fighting for you, for your dreams, for the future of your children. And after the greatest political comeback in American history. We're going to lead the greatest economic comeback in American history."

Many people in the area are still feeling the effects of the floods that ripped through the region in 2022. But they're hopeful the Vice President Elect won't forget about his community members in small town Kentucky.

"There's certainly interest in how Breathitt County and his time here in the mountains will shape his time as Vice President," said Bowling. "If he remembers the community, what he's able to do to support our continued comeback from the floods."

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Drawing the same parallels, Hudson said, "When we went through the flood, it seemed like gas went sky high, groceries went sky high. It seems like he's more concerned about us and he cares. It seems like he's got a heart."

The Trump-Vance ticket got 79% of the vote on Tuesday.