J. D. Vance: A Brief Primer

• Age at Inauguration: 40
• State: Ohio
• Current Role: Senator
• Political Experience: N/A
• Non-Political Experience: Lawyer, soldier and writer 
• Education: Ohio State (BA- Political Science and Philosophy) and Yale (JD)
• Wife: Usha Chilukuri (m.2014) 
• Children: Three 
• Religion: Roman Catholic

James David “J.D.” Vance was born and raised in Ohio. Vance’s parents split when he was young, so he was raised primarily by his grandparents. 

Vance served in the US Army during the Iraq War, before heading to Ohio State to receive a BA in Political Science and Philosophy. He then got his JD from Yale Law.

Following law school, Vance worked in the world of investment banking. His autobiography Hillbilly Elegy described a rural upbringing and was a bestseller, though not without significant controversy. A film based on it was produced, with Amy Adams and Glenn Close starring. This gave him name recognition.

In 2021, Vance announced that he was running for one of Ohio’s Senate seats. After beating several prominent candidates for the Republican nomination, he then beat the Democrat’s Tim Ryan. Vance is considered a strong MAGA ally. 

Vance married the former Usha Chilukuri in 2014. They have three children: Ewan, and two other children of unknown names. 

Benefits:

Ohio

Ohio has been a swing state, so having someone from there no doubt helps gain it. 

Young 

Vance will be 40 on Inauguration Day, younger than some of Trump’s children. This should assuage some concerned about Trump’s age. 

MAGA base 

Vance has a lot of sway with Trump’s base, and it’s hoped that he would energise them. 

Geography

He’s a Midwesterner to Trump’s New York/Florida geography, giving credence to the idea that your ticket mate should be geographically varied 

A Trump Convert

Vance is a former Trump skeptic and critic, but he’s jumped onto the Trump train, showing that it can be done

Debating and speaking

He’s a tough debater and speaker, so he’ll happily go toe-to-toe with Kamala Harris in debates. 

Military

Vance is a veteran, helpful compared to Trump, who has not served  

Drawbacks

Controversial 

Vance is a controversial figure. It might not help having two Marmite figures on the same ticket. 

Not much experience 

Outside of the Senate, Vance has no political experience. As Trump is also inexperienced outside of the presidency, this could be a concern. 

White male

Some might be concerned with a lack of ticket diversity, especially if Republicans want to make inroads with minorities and those who care about such an issue. 

Other Republicans  

Vance represents a limited portion of the Republican Party, so he might not sway Never Trump voters. 

Losing Senate Seat

It might not be good to lose a Senate seat for the GOP, especially if a Democratic Governor picks his replacement

Political Views

• Abortion: Vance believes in a ban after 15 weeks, and exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. This is in line with Trump’s views, as he tends to be more moderate on the issues than most Republicans. He wants support for families, such as pregnancy centres and tax credits for parents.
• Climate Change: Vance is a skeptic regarding climate change. He wants to cut environmental regulations. 
• COVID-19: Vance opposes mask mandates.
• Elections: Vance has criticised the 2020 election, saying that the results shouldn’t have been immediately certified 
• Energy: On his Senate campaign website, Vance stated his support for use of American energy, natural gas and oil.
• Immigration: Vance supports a strong border policy, reformation of legal immigration and opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants.
• Israel: Vance is pro-Israel, and supports funding for them.
• Trade: Vance supports tariffs, especially regarding China.
• Trans Issues: Vance proposed a federal ban on gender transition for minors.
• Ukraine/Russia: Vance is a skeptic regarding the Ukraine-Russia War. In a New York Times op-ed from April, Vance stated that “the math doesn’t add up” regarding Ukraine aid.

Records (if he is elected)

• He will be the first Vice President from Ohio
• He will be the second Catholic Vice President, after Joe Biden
• He will be the third youngest Vice President, after John C. Breckinridge and Richard Nixon
• His wife will be the first minority Second Lady of the United States
• He and Trump will have the largest age gap between any President and VP: thirty-eight years