Usha Vance took the stage at the Republican National Convention to introduce the crowd to her husband, JD Vance, the newly selected vice-presidential candidate. In her speech, she called him “the most determined person I know” and highlighted their unique love story as a testament to the opportunities available in the United States.
A Personal Glimpse
Mrs. Vance humanized the Ohio senator and running mate of Republican White House candidate Donald Trump by describing him as a man who longed for a “tight-knit family.” She also mentioned that JD is a “meat and potatoes kind of guy” who adapted to her vegetarian diet and learned to cook Indian food for her mother. Despite not seeking the political spotlight, Usha Vance wields considerable influence over her husband’s career.
Their Love Story
Usha and JD Vance met as students at Yale Law School in 2013. They were part of a discussion group on “social decline in white America,” a topic that influenced JD Vance’s best-selling 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” The memoir, which details his childhood in the white working-class Rust Belt, was adapted into a movie in 2020 directed by Ron Howard.
Usha Vance’s Background
Early Life and Education
Born Usha Chilukuri, the child of Indian immigrants, she was raised in the suburbs of San Diego, California. She graduated with a BA in history from Yale University and was a Gates Scholar at Cambridge University, where she earned an MPhil in early modern history.
Legal Career
Usha Vance is a corporate litigator at a San Francisco law firm known for its “radically progressive” stance. She previously clerked for Brett Kavanaugh, now a Supreme Court justice, on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Both men are part of the conservative majority on the highest court.
Influence and Accomplishments
JD Vance has publicly acknowledged the significant influence his wife has on his life and career. He considers Usha his “Yale spirit guide,” and often feels “humbled” by her accomplishments. Usha is described as a brilliant individual capable of digesting a 1,000-page book in a few hours. JD Vance regards her as the “powerful female voice on his left shoulder” providing guidance.
Family Life
The couple wed in 2014 and have three children: two sons, Ewan and Vivek, and a daughter, Mirabel. In her interview on Fox News, Usha expressed her unwavering belief in JD and their mutual support for each other.
Conclusion
As JD Vance took the stage at the Republican convention, he reiterated his admiration for his wife, calling her an “incredible lawyer and a better mom.” Usha Vance’s presence and support play a pivotal role in his life and career, highlighting her as a significant figure in the political landscape surrounding the upcoming election.
