JD Vance's hometown state senator says civil war may be needed to 'save our country'

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance's hometown state senator said at his rally Monday that if Republicans don't win the 2024 election it could lead to a civil war to "save the country."

The comments came from Ohio state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester, right after he took the stage at Vance's first rally in Middletown, Ohio, since becoming former President Donald Trump's running mate and chanted, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Live updates: JD Vance returns to his hometown for first time after being nominated for VP

"If it comes down to a civil war... we are the last stand to save it," Lang said at a Middletown High School auditorium, less than an hour before Vance was set to take the stage. The crowd cheered in response. Vance graduated from the high school in 2003.

Ohio Senate Democrats were quick to criticize Lang's comments on X.

"Senator George Lang calling for a civil war is disgusting. Political violence has been condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike. Inciting violence over an election that hasn't even occurred yet is irresponsible and undemocratic," they said.

Lang quickly segued into touting other Ohio-born politicians from Butler County, name-checking former Speaker of the House John Boehner and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy, and even noting former 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who grew up in Cincinnati.

Who is George Lang?

Lang represents Ohio's 4th state senate district, which includes Butler County.

He was elected senator in 2020. He served as a West Chester Township trustee and served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives before he was elected to the Ohio Senate.

He is running for reelection in November after winning a three-way primary in March.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: JD Vance's hometown state senator says civil war may be needed to 'save our country'