News

JD Vance visit could snarl traffic

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 19, 2026

Henderson County officials warned motorists that they could encounter travel impacts today during Vice President JD Vance's visit to the apple country.

Vance is scheduled to appear at a mid-term rally at 1 p.m. at the Hyder warehouse, 142 Chestnut Gap Road off U.S. 64 East. The county urged motorists to be patient and find alternative routes while the VP's motorcade travels the roads.

The rally is being held at the warehouse owned by Bub Hyder, the Edneyville apple grower, cattleman, large landowner and developer.

Both the Republican and Democratic parties issued news releases about the event, which is being staged to boost the GOP 11th Congressional District nominee Jennifer Balkcom, U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and others.

"Since taking office, President Trump, Vice President Vance, and House Republicans have delivered victories for North Carolina families," Reilly Richardson, Southern Regional press secretary for the National Republican Campaign Committee. "With retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout and eighth-generation Henderson County farmer Jennifer Balkcom in Congress, Republicans will continue to grow the economy, maintain a secure border, deliver critical hurricane relief for Western North Carolina, and ensure the success of America's growers and producers."

Mallory Payne, a senior communications adviser for the North Carolina Democratic Party retorted: “No one has been a bigger cheerleader for the Iran War than DC insider Michael Whatley, because as the war drives up fuel prices for us, Whatley’s oil and gas stocks are spiking and making him richer. In fact, Whatley has repeatedly supported policies that benefit his stock portfolio at the expense of working North Carolinians – and that’s exactly what he’ll do if elected to the U.S. Senate. Whatley is out of touch and only cares about enriching himself while North Carolinians are slammed with skyrocketing prices.”