Voters across Pennsylvania were heartened by a campaign stop made by Senator J.D. Vance in Erie, PA. He struck a powerful chord with voters by addressing what is a deeply personal and pervasive issue for many Americans: drug addiction. Vance, whose mother battled opioid addiction during his childhood, connected with the crowd in a tangible way that few politicians can. For many in Erie, Vance’s story mirrors their own struggles with the opioid crisis, which has ravaged communities across the country.
The New York Post reported that Mary Doyle, a 63-year-old stay-at-home mom from Erie, was among those who felt an immediate connection with Vance. Having lost two brothers to opioid overdoses, she expressed her frustration at how little attention the issue receives. “Nobody talks about it,” she lamented. But seeing Vance and former President Donald Trump, who selected Vance as his vice-presidential running mate, address the issue head-on was a breath of fresh air. “Here you see JD Vance talking about it. Trump talks about it.” she said.
Vance’s connection to Erie was more than just political rhetoric. He noted the similarities between Erie and his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, a working-class community located in the Rust Belt. Both communities are places with proud manufacturing histories that have been hollowed out by automation and overseas competition. Erie County, a critical election battleground in Pennsylvania, has seen a significant decline in jobs and population over the last two decades, mirroring the economic struggles of many Rust Belt communities.
For voters like Chris Knight, a 68-year-old school cook from nearby Corry, Vance’s personal story is more than just a campaign talking point—it’s a source of hope. Knight’s daughter struggled with heroin addiction for years before turning her life around to help others avoid the same path. Holding a copy of Vance’s memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," Knight said, “I can relate to him so well. I relate to him totally.”
Vance’s candid discussion of the opioid crisis resonates deeply in Erie, a county that had the highest rate of opioid overdoses and the second-most accidental drug deaths in Pennsylvania in 2023. Fentanyl, in particular, has wreaked havoc, responsible for 90% of the county’s 122 drug-related deaths last year. One grim day in June saw seven overdose deaths within just six hours.
The Doyle family, including Mary’s teenage daughters, Maria and Elena, echoed the sentiment that Vance’s personal experience with addiction makes him relatable in a way that many other politicians are not. “He understands addiction,” Maria said. “He’s kind of like a hillbilly like in his movie,” - referencing the film adaptation of Vance’s memoir.
Vance's mother, Bev Vance, battled a lengthy and painful addiction to many substances, including prescription opioids, heroin, and alcohol. Kickstarted by a necessary painkiller prescription that soon devolved into a full-blown dependency, Bev's addiction spanned much of Vance's childhood and adolescence and impacted him profoundly. Despite her genuine love for her children, the demons she battled rendered her unfit to properly care for her children. Her addiction led to a dysfunctional home environment, strained relationships, volatile behavior, multiple arrests, and frequent moves. Vance's maternal grandparents, whom he affectionately called "Mamaw" and Papaw", were his primary caretakers , and a source of stability and comfort through his tumultuous childhood.
Bev Vance's addiction created an atmosphere of extreme instability and insecurity for Vance and his sister, fueling his strong desire to escape the cycle of poverty and addiction that plagued his community and family life. He is seen as a symbol of resilience and strength, rising above the pain and dysfunction of his childhood to graduate with honors from Yale Law School.
Vance’s empathy and relatability are seen as assets in a Republican Party that is trying to appeal to a broader base, particularly younger voters. While Trump’s wealth and background can feel distant to some, Vance’s story of overcoming adversity through hard work and perseverance is inspiring. Elena Doyle summed up the sentiment of many younger voters: “Not only is he younger, but his background story is really inspiring to all of us – that everyone has a chance.”
Despite his high unfavorable ratings, Vance’s supporters in Erie believe he represents the future of the Republican Party. They see him as a leader who understands the struggles of ordinary Americans and is committed to addressing the issues that matter most to them—chief among them, the opioid crisis that has devastated so many communities.
As Erie County prepares for another contentious election, Vance’s ability to connect on a personal level with voters may prove to be a decisive factor in this battleground region. With a message that blends personal experience with a commitment to policy change, Vance is positioning himself as a voice for those who feel left behind by both parties—a voice that resonates deeply in the heart of Pennsylvania.
If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction, reach out to us today. Our experienced staff will help you recover with empathy and respect. Contact us to turn your life around.