Ohio's Senator JD Vance: From "Hillbilly Elegy" to the Senate

Early Life and Career

James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984) is an American politician serving as the junior United States senator from Ohio since 2023. Vance is best known as the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" (2016), a best-selling memoir of his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio.

Political Career

Vance was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, defeating Democratic candidate Tim Ryan. He was sworn into office on January 3, 2023. Vance is a member of the Republican Party.

Personal Life

Vance is married to Usha Vance, a litigator for a law firm. They met as students at Yale Law School, where Vance earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Legacy and Significance

"Hillbilly Elegy" became a cultural phenomenon, shedding light on the experiences of working-class Americans in Appalachia. Vance's election to the Senate marks a significant rise for a politician known for his insights into rural America.