JD Vance: From Author to Senator to Trump's Running Mate

Early Life and Career

James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984) is an American author, venture capitalist, and politician. He is currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Ohio.

Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. After working as a lawyer and venture capitalist, he rose to prominence with the publication of his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy (2016).

Political Career

Vance was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election. In 2018, he ran for the U.S. Senate as a Republican and won, defeating incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown. Vance has a strong conservative record in the Senate, and he has been a staunch supporter of Trump's policies.

Trump's Running Mate

In 2024, Trump announced that he had chosen Vance as his running mate for the presidential election. The move was seen as a bid to appeal to working-class and rural voters. Vance is a popular figure among Trump's core supporters, and he has been praised for his ability to connect with Americans who feel left behind by the economy.

Key Issues

Vance is a strong advocate for lower taxes, less government regulation, and a more robust military. He has also been a vocal critic of globalization and illegal immigration. Vance has also spoken out against American intervention overseas and has called for a more isolationist foreign policy.

Controversies

Vance has been a controversial figure throughout his career. He has been accused of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Vance has also been criticized for his support of Trump and his policies. However, Vance has remained popular among his supporters, who see him as a strong and principled leader.