New York, July 15: Former US President and presumptive Republican nominee for the presidential election Donald Trump on Monday, July 15, chose JD Vance as his running mate for vice presidency at the Republican National Convention (RNC). Once a Donald Trump critic, JD Vance will now run with him for the top post. Indian-Americans Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy were both considered for the role.

James David Vance, born on August 2, 1984, is an American politician, author, lawyer, and venture capitalist. He has been serving as the junior United States Senator from Ohio since 2023. The 39-year-old first gained national prominence with his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which delves into his upbringing in a working-class family in Middletown, Ohio, and examines the struggles of the white working class in America. What Made Donald Trump Tilt His Head and Dodge Bullet at Last Minute.

Vance’s early life was marked by instability and poverty, but he overcame these challenges to serve in the US Marine Corps and later graduate from Yale Law School. His memoir not only became a bestseller but also sparked widespread discussion about socio-economic issues in the United States.

Before entering politics, Vance worked in venture capital and founded Narya Capital, a venture capital firm.

His political career took off with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which played a significant role in his successful Senate campaign. As a senator, Vance has focused on issues such as economic revitalization, healthcare reform, and addressing the opioid crisis. Donald Trump Assassination Bid: Netizens Make Sexist Comments Against ‘Inefficient’ Female Agents, Say Women Should Not Be in Secret Service.

From 'Never Trump' Republican to Fierce Ally

Vance was a “never Trump” Republican in 2016. He called Trump “dangerous” and “unfit” for office. Vance, whose wife, lawyer Usha Chilukuri Vance, is Indian-American and the mother of their three children, also criticized Trump's racist rhetoric, saying he could be “America's Hitler.”

But by the time Vance met Trump in 2021, he had reversed his opinion, citing Trump's accomplishments as president. Both men downplayed Vance's past scathing criticism. Once elected, Vance became a fierce Trump ally on Capitol Hill, unceasingly defending Trump's policies and behavior. (With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2024 01:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).