Asked about the cost of living, JD Vance joked about Jon Husted’s butt, then admitted Republicans fell short. Days later, Husted lost Ohio

JD Vance, asked about the cost of living, joked about Jon Husted’s butt before conceding Republicans had fallen short—and days later Husted lost Ohio. The Democrat who campaigned on grocery, gas and electric bills defeated Trump’s Senate pick in a state where voters ranked the cost of living among their top concerns. The result signals that pocketbook issues can outweigh presidential endorsement even in Republican-leaning territory. Watch whether other GOP candidates distance themselves from the administration’s economic messaging, and whether Democrats replicate the affordability-focused playbook in upcoming races.