Departure lands as Republicans face difficult midterm elections
Vice President JD Vance announced on Thursday that White House legislative director James Braid is leaving his position, ending a tenure that began when Vance served in the U.S. Senate. Braid had served as Vance’s legislative director in the Senate before moving with him to lead the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump’s second term.
In a post on X, Vance praised Braid’s work ethic and described him as “one of the hardest workers you will ever meet.” “He’s been with me in every fight I’ve been in, from day one in my senate office through the transition and the President’s transformative second term,” Vance wrote. “He has served the President with distinction and I couldn’t be prouder of him.” Vance added that he is “very excited to see what he does next.” Vance is now considering a run for president in 2028.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised Braid’s “extraordinary skill” in a separate post on X on Thursday. “His great friendship, unwavering commitment, and tireless work ethic have helped House and Senate Republicans advance President Trump’s America First agenda in spite of our razor-thin majorities, and he has played an essential role in delivering historic results for the American people,” Johnson wrote.
Braid’s departure comes as Republicans face midterm elections that threaten the party’s narrow congressional majorities. Braid helped push Trump’s legislation through the House and Senate and helped get the administration’s nominees confirmed.