James David Vance, who became an Ohio Senator in 2023, is a Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2024 United States presidential election. He is known for his conservative beliefs, background as a Marine, and as the author of Hillbilly Elegy. His early years saw him in the Marine Corps as a military journalist, followed by studies at Ohio State University and Yale Law School. He entered venture capital before gaining national attention with his memoir, which explores the struggles of working-class Americans in rural communities. The book, which was later adapted into a film, helped shape Vance’s public image as a voice for rural America.
Initially, Vance was skeptical of Donald Trump, opposing him during the 2016 election, but his stance shifted during Trump’s presidency, making him one of Trump’s notable supporters.
In his political career, Vance has taken positions that align with national conservatism and right-wing populism. His views are marked by staunch opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control, alongside a critical stance on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, reflecting his broader skepticism of American interventionism.
JD Vance and Erika Kirk's emotional embrace at a Turning Point USA event went viral, leading to discussions about their finances and generating the trending hashtag #ErikaAndJD.
US Vice President-elect JD Vance and Usha Vance attend a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, January 20, 2025.
