Vice President JD Vance headlined a Republican midterm rally in Lakeland, Florida, on Thursday, taking direct aim at Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate and governor.

Speaking to a large crowd at the Sun 'n Fun hangar at Lakeland Linder International Airport, Vance praised Republican Sen. Ashley Moody and gubernatorial nominee U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds while blasting their Democratic opponents. He highlighted administration achievements including tax cuts on tips, overtime, and car loans for U.S.-made vehicles, along with ending taxes on Social Security for nearly 5 million Floridians.

Vance also pointed to reduced violent crime and lower fentanyl deaths under Republican leadership. "Florida is facing one of the easiest choices I have ever seen in politics," he told supporters, contrasting the Republican ticket with what he described as far-left socialists and washed-up losers.

The vice president singled out state Rep. Angie Nixon, Moody's opponent, calling her a self-professed socialist who owns two homes and urging her to leave the country if she holds those beliefs.

Vance also described former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, Donalds' Democratic challenger, as a fraud and flip-flopper desperate for relevance who should return to his low-listener podcast.

A heckler interrupted the speech and was removed by security. Vance labeled the man a Democrat plant and said the crowd would kick out Democrats just as they removed the protester. The event drew thousands and featured Moody and Donalds, who expressed confidence that Florida would remain red with 33 days until the Nov. 3 election.

The rally formed part of a broader Republican effort to maintain momentum in key Florida races as the approaching midterms loom large in the battle for control of a majority.