JD Vance, a prominent political figure, has a compelling family story that intertwines personal struggles and professional achievements. The son of Beverly Aikins and the grandson of the late Beverly Vance, JD Vance’s journey from Middletown, Ohio, to the vice president’s mansion in Washington, D.C., is marked by resilience and love. His wife, Usha Vance, herself a trailblazing attorney, stands beside him as the second lady of the United States. Together, they navigate the complexities of public life with their three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
JD Vance and Usha Vance first crossed paths at Yale Law School. Their shared experiences as law students blossomed into a lifelong partnership, culminating in their marriage in Kentucky in 2014. Usha's legal career is distinguished by her service as a clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and her tenure at the esteemed law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson. However, she left her role in July 2024 to embrace her new responsibilities as the second lady, becoming the first Indian American and Hindu to hold this position.
"My background is very different from JD's. I grew up in San Diego, in a middle-class community with two loving parents, both immigrants from India, and a wonderful sister," – Usha Vance
"That JD and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country." – Usha Vance
The Vance family recently made headlines by moving into the vice president's mansion in Washington, D.C. Their children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, are adjusting to the new environment while actively participating in their parents' public roles. Notably, the children joined their parents on Election Day in 2024, marking a significant moment in their lives.
JD Vance's dedication to his family extends beyond public appearances. In February 2024, he celebrated his son Vivek's fourth birthday by reading Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go" on the Senate floor.
"I'm sorry Vivek that I can't be with you for your birthday dinner, but I want you to know that Daddy loves you very much. And I'm going to read this into the record because maybe you can watch it at home," – JD Vance
Usha Vance's role as second lady is groundbreaking. As the youngest second lady since Jane Hadley Barkley in 1949, she brings a fresh perspective to the White House. Her heritage as an Indian American and her faith as a Hindu add layers of diversity to her contributions.
JD Vance's personal history is deeply rooted in Middletown, Ohio. His mother, Beverly Aikins, continues to reside there despite facing challenges related to addiction—a subject JD Vance candidly addressed in his memoir.
"It was heartbreaking in some parts," she said of reading the book. "But it helped us grow as a family, and it opened up a line of communication that we never really had. Addiction in our house was like the elephant in the room. Nobody ever said anything about it. We do now." – Beverly Aikins
The connection between JD Vance and his hometown remains strong. He frequently visits Middletown to see his mother and reminisce about his roots.
"He graduated from Middletown High School, comes back here frequently to visit me and take me to dinner, and I humbly request that." – Beverly Aikins
