• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Politician
• Birthday:  August 02, 1984

J.D. Vance is the best-selling author of Hillbilly Elegy and a Senator from Ohio. Vance was chosen by republican nominee Donald Trump as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

James David Vance was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, a town that was once a thriving center of the American steel industry but has since experienced significant economic decline. Vance's early life was marked by instability and hardship. His mother, Bev Vance, struggled with addiction, and his father was largely absent. Vance was primarily raised by his grandparents, Mamaw and Papaw, who instilled in him a sense of discipline, work ethic, and the importance of education.

Despite the chaos at home, Vance excelled in school. His experiences growing up in a struggling working-class community would later serve as the foundation for his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," which provides a poignant look at the social and economic issues facing white working-class Americans.

After high school, Vance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Iraq and earning several honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal. Following his military service, Vance attended Ohio State University, where he graduated with a degree in political science and philosophy. He then went on to Yale Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2013. It was at Yale that Vance began to crystallize his thoughts on the struggles of the American working class, thanks in part to the mentorship of law professor Amy Chua.

Upon graduating from Yale, Vance worked as a principal at the venture capital firm Mithril Capital Management, co-founded by Peter Thiel. His venture into the world of Silicon Valley exposed him to the intersections of technology, business, and social policy, further broadening his understanding of the complexities of modern American life.,/p>

In 2016, Vance published Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was hailed for its candid portrayal of the challenges facing America’s working class. It garnered widespread acclaim and sparked national conversations about poverty, addiction, and the decline of the American Dream. The memoir was later adapted into a film directed by Ron Howard and released on Netflix in 2020.

Vance's entrance into politics was marked by his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Ohio. Running as a Republican, he campaigned on a platform that emphasized economic revitalization, addressing the opioid crisis, and advocating for the working-class families he grew up with. Vance won the election and took office in January 2023.

As a Senator, Vance quickly made a name for himself as a staunch advocate for policies aimed at revitalizing the American heartland. He supported initiatives to boost manufacturing, improve infrastructure, and combat the opioid epidemic. His efforts to bridge the gap between the political elite and working-class Americans resonated with many voters.

In the Senate, Vance also emerged as a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump. He aligned himself with Trump's America First agenda, advocating for policies that prioritize American workers and sovereignty. Vance's loyalty to Trump and his ability to articulate the concerns of Rust Belt voters made him a natural choice for Trump's running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

J.D. Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a fellow Yale Law School graduate and accomplished attorney. Usha, who clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts, shares her husband's passion for public service and social justice. The couple has three children and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

J.D. Vance's Religious Beliefs

In 2019, J.D. Vance converted to Catholicism, a decision that was deeply personal and transformative. Raised in a nominally Christian household, Vance's faith journey was influenced by his experiences in the Marine Corps, his studies at Yale, and his marriage to Usha, who is a devout Catholic.

Vance's conversion was marked by his desire for spiritual grounding and a sense of community. He found solace in the Catholic Church's teachings on social justice, the sanctity of life, and the importance of family. His faith has since become a cornerstone of his personal and professional life.

Vance's Catholicism informs his political views and actions. He is a vocal proponent of religious liberty and has advocated for policies that protect the rights of religious institutions and individuals. His faith also underpins his commitment to social issues such as poverty alleviation, addiction recovery, and family support.