JD Vance

James David Vance (born August 2, 1984) is an American politician, author, and venture capitalist serving as the junior United States senator from Ohio since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he gained national recognition with his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which explores his upbringing in a working-class Appalachian family and examines social and economic issues affecting rural America.

Early Life and Education

J.D. Vance was born in Middletown, Ohio, and raised in a poor Appalachian family of Scots-Irish descent. His early life was marked by instability, as he was primarily raised by his grandparents due to his mother’s struggles with substance abuse. He attended Middletown High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in Iraq. After his military service, Vance earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University and later a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.

Career

Law and Business

Following law school, Vance worked as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. He joined Mithril Capital, a firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, and later started his own investment firm, Narya Capital, which focuses on Midwestern startups.

Hillbilly Elegy and Public Recognition

In 2016, Vance published Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, which became a bestseller and was widely discussed in political and social discourse. The book was later adapted into a Netflix film directed by Ron Howard. Vance’s commentary on working-class struggles and the economic decline of rural America positioned him as a significant voice in conservative circles.

Political Career

U.S. Senate Campaign and Election

Vance announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2021, running to succeed retiring Republican senator Rob Portman. Initially considered an outsider, he gained momentum after receiving the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. In the 2022 election, he defeated Democratic nominee Tim Ryan, securing his seat in the U.S. Senate.

Senate Tenure

Since taking office in 2023, Vance has positioned himself as a strong supporter of Trump-aligned populist conservatism. His legislative focus includes issues related to economic nationalism, immigration reform, and opposition to globalist trade policies.

Political Positions

Vance has been a vocal critic of corporate influence in politics and advocates for policies that prioritize American manufacturing and labor. He has also taken strong stances on immigration, foreign policy, and cultural issues, aligning himself with the nationalist wing of the Republican Party.

Personal Life

Vance is married to Usha Vance, a lawyer and fellow Yale Law graduate. The couple has children and resides in Ohio. Vance, who was raised in a nominally Christian household, converted to Catholicism as an adult.