Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz are competing vice-presidential candidates who represent the Midwest but are vying for favorability in the pivotal Sun Belt states. Polls indicate that Walz, Kamala Harris' running mate, has a higher favorability rating among independents in states like Arizona and Georgia compared to Vance. Vance's net favorability among independents is negative, exacerbated by controversial past comments and his association with Project 2025, a conservative agenda. Despite reports suggesting Donald Trump regrets picking Vance, Trump's campaign managers have strongly denied these claims, asserting Vance's effectiveness on the campaign trail. Vance continues to be active in battleground states, focusing on issues such as inflation and border security, but faces significant challenges in improving his popularity.