JD Vance Announces Delek Refinery Expansion in Texas Rally

Vice President JD Vance announced an agreement with Delek US Holdings Inc. to expand a refinery in Tyler, Texas, during a Republican midterm rally on October 13. Utilizing the Defense Production Act, the Trump administration intends to increase the production of commercial-grade and military-spec fuel to lower consumer prices and create hundreds of jobs.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian supported the move, stating that domestic oil production and refining are essential to American energy security. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to fund energy projects ahead of the November 3 elections.

During the event, Vance endorsed Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate, urging voters to elect a candidate who fights for Texas over Democratic challenger James Talarico. Talarico's campaign responded by accusing Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson of attempting to cover up Paxton's alleged conduct in Dubai. The visit was the first time a sitting vice president had spoken in Tyler since 1992.