Vance visits Johnstown, a hotbed for political campaigns

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance spoke to a crowd in Johnstown's JWF Industries Saturday 25 days before Election Day.

This marks Vance's second appearance in Cambria County in the last three months. He was at 1st Summit Arena in August with former President Donald Trump.

Johnstown has been a target area for multiple campaigns. Both candidates have had boots on the ground in the area.

In September, current Vice President Kamala Harris visited local coffee shops and supporters at the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. Trump's running mate returning to Johnstown brought delight to local residents.

"It's important to have their support," Brian Cartwright, a rally attendee said. "We're here today as what was formerly a steel mill is now doing different types of industrial work."

Cambria County has been traditionally blue, but the area has been shifting more red since 2012, when Mitt Romney beat Barack Obama. What helped was Trump's first run in 2016, where he received over 66% of the vote

Targeting an area that wanted him in office looks to be a great strategy in the eyes of Keith Rager, one of three Cambria County Commissioners.

"Johnstown and Cambria County are key to that play," Rager added. "With us going to 46,000 Republican voters here in the county, it has completely switched."

Pennsylvania has been deemed a crucial battleground state in this year's election. Trump and Kamala have made it their mission to target the Commonwealth, both with different strategies.

However, Cambria County acts as one of the key areas to decide which way Pennsylvania tilts. Since 2008, the Keystone State has helped decide which candidate heads to the Oval Office.

"The best person wins and they get out and vote," Rager said. "This county is very key to this state."

"We have to get out and make sure that every person possible in this area makes it to the polls and casts votes in order to outweigh the votes that are coming in from Philadelphia, Delaware County and other areas that are heavily Democratic," Cartwright added.

Local Republicans made it out to the event, such as US Congressmen GT Thompson and John Joyce. Other officials made it out as well like Cambria County Chamber of Commerce President Amy Bradley.

Their stance on fracking and manufacturing in America is key to Pennsylvanian industries, especially in Johnstown. The support from the candidates who back them and those in attendance give hope to residents to boost the area.

"Manufacturing is the engine that drives Pennsylvania's economy in Cambria County," Bradley said. "We have 4,200 people who work in manufacturing and even comes out to about $2.1 million that goes into our economy."

Once Vance took the stage, he was greeted with a large round of cheers and applause. He started off by reminiscing about steelworkers in his hometown as he looked among the supporters in the old steel mill.

"I know that Bethlehem Steel, a great American steel manufacturer, really built this town in a lot of ways," the Ohio Senator said. "And like my hometown, they lost a lot of jobs over the last 30 or 40 years thanks to bad leadership. But I want to promise to those watching over to you in this room. Donald Trump and I are committed to American manufacturing. We're committed to American workers."

Cities like Johnstown are built by the backbone of blue-collar labor. The area being a hotbed for campaigns gives these political figures a glimpse of what American towns truly are.

"It also to me represents the greatness of America," Vance added. "And frankly, what happens when American leaders screw up. Because as much as we're proud to be standing in this great facility, Johnstown has went through some pretty tough times because of a generation of American leaders."

Vance continues his campaign to Williamsport, Pa. on Oct. 16. It was also announced that Gwen Walz, wife to Harris' running mate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will be visiting Johnstown on Tuesday, Oct. 15.