JD Vance’s extraordinary political rise has placed him just one step away from the world’s most powerful position—Vice President of the United States. Vance, who gained national prominence with his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has become a prominent figure in the conservative “America First” movement. Raised by his grandmother in a family grappling with addiction, Vance joined the military, served in Iraq, and later attended Ohio State and Yale Law School, where he met his wife, Usha.
Vance’s concerns about the struggles of working-class communities in middle America led him to write Hillbilly Elegy, a book that became crucial in understanding why many working-class voters supported Donald Trump in 2016. Although initially a critic of Trump, Vance shifted his stance, aligning with Trump’s policies. In 2022, he was elected to the Senate in Ohio and became a key figure in Trump’s circle.
In 2024, Vance was chosen as Trump’s running mate, solidifying his place in the political elite. Known for his frustration with globalization, he advocates for economic protectionism and revitalizing American industry. As Vice President, he will continue to champion these ideals while advocating for family-friendly policies and a more selective U.S. role in global affairs. With two years in the Senate and close ties to Trump, Vance has the opportunity to shape America’s future and further his mission to rebuild the American heartland.
