Who Is Usha Vance? JD Vance’s Wife Is Also a Yale-Educated Lawyer

Usha Vance, 38 years old, gained national attention in July 2024 when Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, selected her husband, Senator JD Vance, to be his running mate for vice president.

Usha has joined her husband and their three kids as they campaign together. A former attorney and enthusiastic reader, she’s often spotted carrying a book during their stops. In an interview with NBC News, she mentioned that she not only keeps him company during their travels but also shares her thoughts on how his events are going. Additionally, she played a role in helping him get ready for the vice presidential debate earlier this month.

If the Trump-Vance team emerges victorious in the 2024 election, Usha will make history as the first Indian-American to hold the position of second lady in the United States. Additionally, she would be the youngest second lady since the era of Harry S. Truman; Jane Hadley Barkley was just 38 years old when she wed Vice President Alben Barkley in November 1949. Here’s a closer look at Usha Vance, covering her heritage, professional journey, faith, and how she and her husband first connected.

California Native Usha, Daughter Of Immigrants

Usha Vance, originally named Usha Chilukuri, was born in San Diego in 1986 to Indian immigrant parents. Her father, Krish, had a career as an engineer and later took on the role of lecturer at San Diego State University. Her mother, Lakshmi, worked as a microbiologist and eventually served as provost at the University of California, San Diego.

Usha and her sister were raised in the suburban area of Rancho Peñasquitos in San Diego. She excelled at Mt. Carmel High School before moving on to Yale University. After completing her degree in 2007, Usha participated in a teaching fellowship in China. Following that, she went on to pursue a master’s degree at Cambridge University as a Gates Cambridge Scholar.

Since Usha became a well-known figure, she has faced racial harassment because of her Indian American heritage. JD has stood up for her numerous times, saying, "What kind of man would choose to marry Usha? A man who is very intelligent and, more importantly, very fortunate."

Usha And JD Vance: Law School Sweethearts And Parents

Usha and JD Vance are the parents of two boys, Ewan and Vivek, as well as a daughter named Mirabel.

In 2010, Usha began her journey at Yale Law School. During her first year, she attended classes alongside JD Vance, who was known as J.D. Hamel back then. Usha and JD quickly developed a romantic relationship, and their chemistry inspired their classmates to combine their names, affectionately referring to them as "Judusha." In his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, JD acknowledged Usha as his "spirit guide" during his time at Yale, especially when he faced difficulties adjusting to the environment.

In 2014, Usha and JD tied the knot in Kentucky, and Usha took on the last name Vance (JD had updated his surname the year before). After spending some time in California and Washington D.C., they moved to Cincinnati in 2018. The couple has three kids: two sons and a daughter. Their son Ewan was born in June 2017, followed by Vivek in February 2020, and their daughter Mirabel arrived in December 2021.

Her Experience: U.S. Supreme Court And Law Firm

Usha pursued notable clerkships following her graduation from law school, including one with Brett Kavanaugh during his time as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She also served as a clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts at the Supreme Court during the 2017-18 term.

In addition to her judicial roles, Usha worked as an associate at Munger Tolles & Olsen, a law firm that promotes a notably "radically progressive" environment. She stepped down from her position in July 2024 after JD was chosen as the Republican vice presidential candidate.

Usha's Journey: From Hindu Roots To Catholic Church

Usha's upbringing was significantly influenced by her family's Hindu beliefs. In a June 2024 interview with Fox News, she reflected, "I was raised in a religious environment. My parents are Hindu, and their beliefs are part of what made them excellent parents and truly wonderful individuals."

When the Vances tied the knot in 2014, their wedding celebrations featured a Hindu blessing ceremony. JD embraced Catholicism in 2019, while Usha chose not to convert. Nonetheless, she respected his choice and regularly goes to church with him and their kids.

Former Democrat Supports Her Husband And Trump

Usha was affiliated with the Democratic Party until 2014. Following her husband’s nomination as the Republican vice presidential candidate, a source close to her shared with The Washington Post that she had been “shocked by Trump” and troubled by the events of January 6, 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was attacked. Nevertheless, similar to JD who also shifted his stance on Trump, The Post cited remarks from a Republican strategist and family acquaintance who indicated that Usha’s perspective had evolved, and she now backs both her husband and Trump.

When JD came under fire this year for a comment he made in 2021, where he referred to the U.S. as being led by "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives," Usha stood by her husband. In an August interview with Fox News, she explained that JD's comment was just a “quip.” “What he meant to convey is that parenting can be incredibly challenging in this country, and often our policies complicate things even further,” Usha stated.

Sara Kettler is a freelance writer from Connecticut, known for her work with Biography.com, History, and the A&E True Crime blog. She's part of the Writers Guild of America and also creates mystery novels. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with dogs, watching Broadway performances, and learning new languages.