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Who is JD Vance
James David Vance is the 50th vice-president of the United States (US). Vice-President JD Vance was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio. Over the time as many good jobs vanished, Vance's family experienced the economic and social toll felt by much of the community.
A difficult childhood
JD's early years were marked by hardship, including financial instability and a turbulent family life. His mother struggled with addiction, and his father was largely absent. His grandparents stepped in to provide care, particularly his grandmother, whose firm discipline and strong character helped steer JD through challenging times.
Military service and education
After finishing high school in Middletown, Vance joined the US Marine Corps, serving for four years, including a deployment to Iraq. Upon returning, he used the GI Bill to pursue higher education at The Ohio State University, where he excelled academically. He later earned admission to Yale Law School.
Family life and career
At Yale, Vance met his future wife, Usha. The couple now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has three children. After law school, he built a career as a venture capitalist, investing in start-ups across the Midwest. He also gained national attention as the author of the bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which highlighted the struggles of working-class Americans in post-industrial towns.
Political journey
In 2022, Vance was elected to the US Senate. As a senator he focused on issues such as border security, revitalising manufacturing, and advocating for working-class families.
Running for vice-president
In 2024, he was chosen by Donald Trump as the vice-presidential nominee, marking a significant moment in his ongoing public service journey. Vance is the youngest person to assume the role of vice-president in the US.