1 / 11Early Life of JD Vance: James David Vance, known as JD Vance, was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio. Originally named James Donald Bowman, he is the son of Don and Bev Bowman. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother later changed his middle name to David. Eventually, he took his mother’s maiden name, Vance, as his surname. (Reuters photo)
2 / 11Family and Upbringing: Vance’s father left the family when JD was still a toddler, and his mother struggled with drug and alcohol issues. Vance was mostly raised by his maternal grandparents. His grandmother, Mamaw, played a key role in his life, encouraging him to focus on education and overcome the challenges of his upbringing. (Reuters photo)
3 / 11Military and Academic Journey: In 2003, JD Vance joined the US Marine Corps, beginning a period of disciplined training and service. After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University in 2009. Vance continued his studies at Yale Law School, where he received a law degree in 2013. (Reuters photo)
4 / 11Rise to Fame with Hillbilly Elegy: JD Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, published in 2016, became a bestseller. The book, based on his life and struggles in a declining steel town, resonated widely, particularly during the 2016 election. It shed light on the struggles of Rust Belt and Appalachian communities, making Vance a prominent commentator on working-class issues.
5 / 11Political Ascendancy: In 2022, JD Vance was elected to the US Senate representing Ohio as a Republican. His political career gained momentum after this win, and his reputation grew as a voice for working-class Americans. In 2024, former President Donald Trump selected Vance as his running mate for the vice presidency, elevating his national profile further. (Reuters photo)
6 / 11The Impact of Hillbilly Elegy: Hillbilly Elegy continued to shape Vance’s public image, capturing the hardships and resilience of communities affected by economic decline. In 2020, the book was adapted into a Netflix movie directed by Ron Howard, furthering Vance’s visibility and influence in national conversations.
7 / 11Vance on Trump’s Appeal: After the success of Hillbilly Elegy, Vance became a sought-after speaker on working-class perspectives. His insights into the struggles of the white working class were viewed as helping explain the appeal of Trump in these communities. Trump praised the book as a “champion of hardworking men and women” and noted Vance’s achievements in technology and finance. (Reuters photo)
8 / 11Marriage to Usha Chilukuri Vance: JD Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, is an Indian American lawyer. The daughter of Indian immigrants, Usha grew up in San Diego, California. She holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Cambridge and has clerked for top US judges. Vance has credited Usha as a strong influence, describing her as his “Yale spirit guide.” (AP photo)
9 / 11Meeting and Life with Usha: JD and Usha met while attending Yale Law School and married in 2014. Usha has supported Vance’s ambitions and helped him navigate life in prestigious circles. In Hillbilly Elegy, he described how she instinctively understood and supported his aspirations, helping him find new opportunities. (AP photo)
10 / 11From Skeptic to Trump Ally: Initially, JD Vance was not a Trump supporter. However, he accepted Trump’s endorsement during his 2022 Senate campaign, marking a shift in his stance. Over time, Vance became one of Trump’s loyal allies, and his friendship with Donald Trump Jr. strengthened their bond. (AP photo)
11 / 11Trump’s Selection of Vance: In 2024, Trump chose JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate, citing his dedication to working-class Americans and success in various fields. (AP photo)
