The political ascent of James David “J.D. Vance is one of the most remarkable American stories of the past decade. From a childhood in the Rust Belt to the halls of Yale Law School, and from bestselling author to U.S. Senator and now Vice President of the United States, his journey has captivated the nation. This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of his life, answering the most common public queries about his background, physical stats, family life, and the beliefs that propel him to the highest levels of government.
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JD Vance: Quick Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Donald “J.D.” Vance |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 40 years old |
| Place of Birth | Middletown, Ohio, USA |
| Height | 5′ 7″ (Approx. 170 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Current Title | 49th Vice President of the United States |
| Spouse | Usha Chilukuri Vance (m. 2014) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma Mater | Ohio State University, Yale Law School |
| Famous For | Author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” U.S. Senator from Ohio |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 – $7 Million |
JD Vance Biography
Early Life and Education
JD Vance’s story is deeply rooted in the socioeconomic struggles of the American Midwest. Born in Middletown, Ohio, he was raised primarily by his grandparents, whom he calls “Mamaw and Papaw,” in a working-class family of Scottish-Irish descent. His childhood was marked by the instability of opioid addiction and economic decline within his family and community—themes he would later immortalize in his writing.
Despite these challenges, Vance found structure and purpose. After graduating from Middletown High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His military service included a deployment to Iraq as a Public Affairs Marine, an experience that instilled in him a profound sense of discipline and duty. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Ohio State University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy in just two and a half years.
He then earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he was editor of the Yale Law Journal. It was at Yale that he met his future wife, Usha Chilukuri, and was introduced to the world of venture capital and high finance, which would become his career before politics.
Career Before Politics: Law, Finance, and “Hillbilly Elegy”
After Yale, Vance worked as a principal at the prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm Mithril Capital, led by Peter Thiel. His legal and investment career was successful, but it was his literary work that catapulted him into the national spotlight.
In 2016, he published “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.” The book became a sensational bestseller, arriving just as the political media was scrambling to understand the appeal of Donald Trump in America’s heartland. Vance was hailed as a voice of the white working class, and his memoir was widely discussed as a key to understanding the political and cultural shifts of the era. It was later adapted into a major motion picture directed by Ron Howard.
Political Career: From Critic to Vice President
Vance’s initial public comments on Donald Trump were highly critical. However, his views evolved, aligning closely with the Trumpian brand of populist, America-First conservatism. In 2021, he moved back to Ohio and launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate, winning a contentious Republican primary with Trump’s endorsement and going on to win the general election in 2022.
His time in the Senate, though brief, was marked by a focus on opposing U.S. military intervention abroad, advocating for working-class economic interests, and challenging large tech companies. In July 2024, at the Republican National Convention, then-President Donald Trump selected the freshman Senator as his running mate for the presidential election. Following their electoral victory, JD Vance was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States.
The Personal Life of the Vice President
Family: Wife and Children
JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance. The couple met at Yale Law School. Usha, a accomplished attorney herself, clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court and has worked at prestigious law firms. She is often described as a central stabilizing and influential force in Vance’s life. Together, they have three young children. The Vance family resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and are practicing Catholics, a faith that deeply informs their worldview.
Physical Stats: Height and Weight
A common point of public curiosity surrounds the Vice President’s physical stature. JD Vance stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and maintains a weight of around 165 pounds (75 kg). His build is consistent with his background as a former Marine, often appearing fit and composed in public appearances.
Net Worth and Financials
Before entering politics, Vance had a successful career in venture capital and earned significant royalties from his bestselling book. Financial disclosures from his Senate campaign placed his net worth in 2022 at an estimated $5 million to $7 million. This wealth comes from his past salary, investments, book sales, and speaking engagements.
FAQs About JD Vance
Q1: How old is Vice President JD Vance?
A: JD Vance was born on August 2, 1984. As of 2024, he is 39 years old, making him one of the youngest Vice Presidents in American history.
Q2: What is JD Vance’s height?
A: The Vice President is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm).
Q3: Who is JD Vance’s wife?
A: He is married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale Law School graduate and former law clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts. They have been married since 2014.
Q4: What is JD Vance’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is between $5 million and $7 million, accumulated from his career in venture capital, his bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” and other investments.
Q5: How many children does JD Vance have?
A: JD and Usha Vance have three children together.
Q6: What is JD Vance famous for?
A: He is most famous for writing the bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” in 2016, which analyzed the struggles of the white working class. He later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio before being elected Vice President in 2024.
Q7: Where did JD Vance go to law school?
A: He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School.
Q8: Was JD Vance in the military?
A: Yes, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 and was deployed to Iraq in 2005.
Q9: What are JD Vance’s political views?
A: Vance is a Republican whose politics are best described as populist and America-First. He is skeptical of foreign military intervention, critical of large tech companies, and focuses on economic policies aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing and supporting the working class.
Q10: Where is JD Vance from?
A: He is from Middletown, Ohio, and often speaks about his roots in the Appalachian community.
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