J.D. Vance Net Worth, Family, Parents, Wife and Career

Vance was sworn in as vice president exactly noon on January 20, 2025.After the October 2024 vice-presidential debate, polling from CBS News and YouGov found that Vance's favorability increased likely voters who watched the debate.

J.D. Vance Quick Facts

Full Name: James Donald Vance
Date of Birth: August 2, 1984
Birthplace: Middletown, Ohio, USA
Ethnicity: Scots-Irish
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, Ohio State University (Summa Cum Laude)
Juris Doctor, Yale Law School
Political Affiliation: Republican
Net Worth: Estimated at $7 million
Religious Influence: Deeply influenced by Catholic theology, shaping his sociopolitical views.

J.D. Vance Family and Parents

J.D. Vance was born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, to Beverly Vance and Donald Bowman. Of Scots-Irish descent, his parents divorced when he was a toddler, and he was later adopted by his mother's third husband, Bob Hamel, changing his name to James David Hamel. He eventually adopted his grandparents' surname, Vance, in 2013.

Raised primarily by his maternal grandparents, "Mamaw" and "Papaw," Vance's childhood was shaped by poverty, his mother's struggles with drug addiction, and family instability.

After graduating from Middletown High School in 2003, Vance joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a military journalist and deploying to Iraq. Using the G.I. Bill, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University in 2009, graduating summa cum laude. He then attended Yale Law School, where Professor Amy Chua encouraged him to write his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. Vance graduated in 2013 with a Juris Doctor.

J.D. Vance Wife, Is he Married ?

Yes, J.D. Vance married with Usha Vance.They have three kids together named Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. His wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, Yale law graduate and trial lawyer, was thrust into the spotlight last year after her husband, JD Vance, was chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election. 

J.D. Vance Net Worth

J.D. Vance’s estimated net worth is approximately $7 million in 2025.As a U.S. Senator, Vance earned an annual salary of $174,000 before stepping into the vice presidency.He built his wealth with some other sources through his career as a venture capitalist, author, and public servant.

J.D. Vance Income Sources and Assets

J.D. Vance co-founded Narya Capital, a venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, with support from notable investors like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen. The firm raised $93 million in 2020, significantly boosting his wealth.
 
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, brought him considerable earnings, especially after it was adapted into a Netflix film.Vance has also earned income from public speaking engagements and his contributions to prominent media outlets like CNN.

J.D. Vance Early Career

After graduating from Yale Law School, J.D. Vance began his career as a law clerk for Judge David Bunning of the U.S. District Court in Kentucky. He later worked briefly as a corporate lawyer at Sidley Austin before transitioning into venture capital in San Francisco. Between 2016 and 2017, he served as a principal at Peter Thiel’s firm, Mithril Capital.

In 2016, Vance published his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, which explored his Appalachian upbringing and the socioeconomic challenges of his community. The book became a bestseller and drew national attention, with The New York Times naming it one of "6 Books to Help Understand Trump's Win." However, it also faced criticism, with some accusing Vance of perpetuating stereotypes about Appalachia. The memoir’s success propelled Vance into the spotlight, leading to a New York Times column and a profile as "the voice of the Rust Belt."

In 2017, Vance joined Revolution LLC, an investment firm led by Steve Case, focusing on expanding the "Rise of the Rest" initiative, which promotes investment in underserved regions. That same year, he became a CNN contributor and announced a film adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy directed by Ron Howard, which premiered in 2020.

Vance co-founded the Rockbridge Network in 2019, a conservative political advocacy group, and Narya Capital, a venture capital firm based in Cincinnati with backing from prominent figures like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen. By 2020, Vance had raised $93 million for Narya Capital, further cementing his role in the tech and political world. He also served on the boards of organizations like the With Honor Fund and American Moment, which support veterans and young conservatives.

During this time, Vance invested in Rumble, a video platform popular with right-leaning audiences, alongside Thiel and former Trump adviser Darren Blanton. His career bridged politics, venture capital, and media, positioning him as an influential conservative voice.

J.D. Vance Political Career

J.D. Vance became Ohio’s senator in 2022 after defeating Democrat Tim Ryan. While he initially opposed Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, Vance later became a strong supporter during Trump’s presidency. In 2024, Trump chose Vance as his running mate, and Vance stepped down as senator to become vice president in January 2025. He is the third-youngest vice president in history and the first from the Millennial generation.

Vance is known for his conservative and populist views. He opposes gun control, abortion, same-sex marriage, and U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Influenced by Catholic beliefs, he often speaks out against declining family values and childlessness. His mix of traditional and populist ideas has made him a key figure in the Republican Party.