Mary Lupien Confronts JD Vance Over Housing Crisis at National Conference
Rochester City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Mary Lupien made national headlines after confronting Vice President JD Vance during his speech at the National League of Cities conference. Vance, who linked the country’s housing crisis to illegal immigration, was interrupted by Lupien, who shouted from the audience: “We’re competing against corporations, not immigrants. Give us back our funding!”
Vance had argued that the surge of undocumented immigrants was driving up housing costs and making it harder for Americans to afford homes. However, Lupien forcefully rejected that narrative, pointing instead to corporate landlords and real estate speculators as the true culprits behind rising rents and housing insecurity.
Following the exchange, Lupien issued a statement emphasizing what she says are the real challenges facing Rochester and other cities.
“As Rochesterians struggle with skyrocketing rents and the threat of displacement, politicians like JD Vance want to distract us by blaming the most vulnerable,” Lupien said. “The truth is, working people—no matter where they were born—are all facing the same fight: a rigged housing system that puts corporate profits over our basic needs. We need leaders who will invest in real solutions, not scapegoat our neighbors.”
Lupien has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing, tenant protections, and increased public investment in housing security. She is calling on federal leaders to restore and expand funding for housing programs that serve working families, rather than allowing corporate landlords to continue driving up costs unchecked. A key pillar of her platform is “guaranteed housing,” which promotes “housing first” policies she says will ensure stable and affordable housing for all residents.
The confrontation between Lupien and Vance has sparked national debate, with supporters applauding her for challenging what they see as misleading rhetoric on immigration and housing. Lupien’s stance underscores a growing movement pushing for rent stabilization, increased tenant protections, and an end to corporate-driven housing speculation.
And to Lupien’s point, immigrants are not the reason we are facing a housing crisis. The real causes are tied to systemic economic issues, such as corporate landlords buying up properties and driving up rents, stagnant wages that haven’t kept pace with rising housing costs, and a lack of affordable housing development. Additionally, restrictive zoning laws and gentrification have displaced long-term residents, further straining housing security. Immigrants, like other working people, are often the ones most impacted by these pressures — not the cause of them.
Blaming immigrants for the housing crisis is not only inaccurate but also a harmful distraction from the true culprits: corporate greed and policies that prioritize profits over people. As Lupien rightly pointed out, we…
Councilwoman Lupien’s decision to speak out was courageous, especially considering the risks that come with challenging powerful figures and confronting deeply ingrained biases. Women in leadership — particularly those who challenge dominant narratives — often face disproportionate scrutiny, hostility, and even threats.
What’s remarkable about Lupien’s action is that she refused to let fear or the potential backlash silence her. Her willingness to stand up in a public forum demonstrates both conviction and bravery. There are people who respond to such boldness with hatred or aggression. That’s why it's so important for communities to rally behind leaders who are willing to speak truth to power — to ensure that their voices are amplified, not silenced.
Moments like this remind us…