James David Vance, born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984, is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the junior United States senator from Ohio. A prominent conservative within the Republican Party, Vance has been announced as Donald Trump's running mate for the 2024 United States presidential election, making history as the first millennial on a major party presidential ticket in the United States.
Early Life and Education
(Photo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch)
Vance was born in Middletown, Ohio, and his early life was marked by challenges. Raised primarily by his grandparents, Vance's childhood was shaped by poverty and his mother’s struggles with addiction. He attended Middletown High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a combat correspondent in the Iraq War.
After his military service, Vance pursued higher education, studying political science and philosophy at Ohio State University and earning a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.
Rise to Prominence
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(Photo Credit: Getty/Amazon)
Vance gained national recognition with his 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis." The book, which details his upbringing in Middletown and his family's Appalachian roots, became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a film. "Hillbilly Elegy" attracted significant media attention during the 2016 presidential election, positioning Vance as a prominent commentator on rural American issues.
Political Career
Initially a critic of Donald Trump, Vance later became a supporter of the former president. In 2021, he launched his first political campaign and successfully won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate with Trump's endorsement, defeating Democratic nominee Tim Ryan in the general election. In the Senate, Vance is known for his economic populism and conservative stance on social issues. He has been a vocal opponent of abortion rights, except when a mother's life is in danger, and has opposed U.S. military aid for Ukraine while strongly supporting Israel.
Venture into Business
(Photo Credit: The Hill)
Before his political career, Vance worked in the tech industry as a venture capitalist. He was a principal at Peter Thiel's Mithril Capital and co-founded Narya Capital in Cincinnati. His business ventures also include investments in the online video platform Rumble, which is popular among conservative audiences.
2024 Vice Presidential Nomination
(Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
On July 15, 2024, during the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump announced J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential pick.
"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association. J.D.'s book, "Hillbilly Elegy," became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country. J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond…."
— Donald J. Trump, Former President of the United States and 2024 GOP Nominee, Truth Social