MILWAUKEE — Republican candidates view Sen. J.D. Vance’s (R-OH) presence at the top of the ticket as not only an asset for the presidential election but also a way to ensure those further down the ballot can win their competitive races. 

Much of Vance’s appeal is his humble upbringing and ability to relate to everyday voters, particularly those in the Rust Belt such as his home state of Ohio. That background, along with being the first millennial to be placed on a presidential ticket, has convinced Republicans the White House is theirs for the taking — and that his momentum could trickle down to boost Republicans in other races.