KINSTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Kinston on Wednesday with Republicans fighting to retain a Senate seat in North Carolina.
Former national party chairman Michael Whatley joined Vance for the rally. Whatley faces Democrat Roy Cooper, a former governor, in the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
"I don't just want the American dream for me or for my generation. I want it for you, and I want it for the generation that comes after us. I want young people to be able to afford a home. I want my kids to raise a family in a country that is vibrant and thriving and free and prosperous," the vice president said during the rally held at the airport.
He accused Cooper of working for "far-left activists," and said, "I want the simple things," adding, "I don't want the government to do everything for me. I don't want the government to be my nanny."
Cooper held his own campaign event in Durham on Wednesday.
Vance urged Republicans to vote early as Democrats lead in the number of early votes cast.
ALSO SEE | Early voting starts in NC: What voters need to know before casting ballots
Whatley said he was feeling confident on Wednesday that he would be North Carolina's next senator.
"In less than a week, it feels like the election is a ways off," Vance told the energetic crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, in six days, you have an opportunity to vote for North Carolina patriots who believe in real sovereignty."
Vance also campaigned for retired Army Col. Laurie Buckout, who is working to win the 1st Congressional District as well as Whatley.
"Michael is as North Carolina as it gets. I got to know him as a matter of fact when he ran the RNC, and I saw up close what he's made of," Vance said. "He built the operation that put our country back in the hands of the American people in 2024, and he's going to do it again in 2026."
Voters shared their driving factors this election cycle, including immigration reform and the economy -- issues that Whatley addressed.
"I will work to cut red tape that is strangling our manufacturers, our small businesses, and our farms," Whatley said. "And I will work every single day to make sure that you and your family make more money and keep more of your own money."
ABC11's Jamiese Price and The Associated Press contributed.