Meet Vice President JD Vance
Vice President JD Vance takes the oath of office alongside his wife Usha Vance at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 20. (© Kevin Lamarque/AP)
Vice President JD Vance takes the oath of office alongside his wife Usha Vance at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 20. (© Kevin Lamarque/AP)
Vice President JD Vance is a U.S. military veteran, successful investor, best-selling author and most recently, a U.S. senator from Ohio.
Born and raised in the once-flourishing manufacturing town of Middletown, Ohio, Vance faced a challenging childhood marked by financial struggles, family instability, his mother’s battle with addiction and his father’s absence. His grandparents, including his Mamaw (grandmother), filled the void with unwavering support and guidance.
After graduating from Middletown High School, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for four years with a tour in Iraq. Returning home, he attended Ohio State University using the GI Bill. There, his academic excellence earned him a spot at Yale Law School.
In 2022, Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he championed issues such as securing the U.S. southern border, revitalizing American manufacturing and fighting for the prosperity of working-class families nationwide.
After law school, Vance found success as an investor in startups across the Midwest, and as the author of the best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which gave voice to millions of Americans across the heartland. He and his wife Usha met in law school and have three children.
This biography is adapted from one on whitehouse.gov.