Vice President JD Vance turned to Scripture while remembering his late friend Charlie Kirk before delivering a sharp warning about the Democratic Party during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

Speaking on the first anniversary of Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, Vance addressed the Turning Point USA founder’s two young children directly, telling them that “history will record that your father was a great man.”

Vance described Kirk as both a “great man” and a good man before offering his children a message rooted in the Bible.

“I want you to know what your dad knew,” Vance said. “Scripture says that God is a father to the fatherless, that every one of us is adopted into His family.”

He then quoted the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8:17: “If we are His children, then we are also His heirs.”

Vance, who was close friends with Kirk, also praised Kirk’s widow, Erika, and recalled the encouragement Kirk gave him during his own rise in national politics. The convention included a memorial video honoring Kirk, prompting chants of “Charlie” from those gathered inside the arena.

From there, Vance shifted his attention to the November midterm elections, drawing a stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats and accusing the Democratic Party of embracing increasingly extreme candidates and ideas.

“The Democrats are running candidates who will tell your children what they’re allowed to say, how they’re allowed to live, and, importantly, who they ought to hate,” Vance said.

He characterized Democrats as “the party of hatred” and pointed to controversial statements and positions from some Democratic candidates as evidence of what he described as a broader shift to the political left.

Vance also highlighted what he described as accomplishments of the Trump administration, including increased border security, job creation and reductions in violent crime. Some of the vice president’s claims about the administration’s record and Democratic policies have been challenged or require additional context.

“We’ve got to send a message this November that the country does not belong to the radicals, it does not belong to the bureaucrats, it does not belong to the highest bidder,” Vance told the crowd. “This country was handed down to us by our parents and their parents before them.”

Vance concluded by urging Republicans to turn out in November and reject what he called a “new type of hardcore hatred.”

The Dallas gathering was the Republican Party’s first national convention organized specifically around a midterm election. President Donald Trump also spoke during the event, using his appearances to promote Republican candidates and urge supporters to maintain GOP control of Congress.

Trump made headlines on the convention’s first night by promising a $5,000 “Trump dividend” for adult U.S. citizens if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. The proposed payments would require congressional action, and questions remain about their funding and potential economic effects.

The convention also featured First Baptist Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress, who criticized the theological and political views of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, adding another faith-focused moment to a gathering aimed at mobilizing Republican voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.