Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale law graduate and accomplished trial attorney, gained considerable attention last year when her husband, JD Vance, was selected as Donald Trump’s running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. At 39, Usha’s background reflects a rich tapestry of achievement, having been raised in San Diego by Indian immigrant parents. Her mother is a biologist and provost at the University of California, San Diego, while her father works as an engineer.
Usha earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and went on to receive a master’s in philosophy from the University of Cambridge through the prestigious Gates Cambridge scholarship. It was during her time at Yale, where she met JD Vance, that their relationship blossomed. Vance has recounted in his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” how they connected over a class assignment, developing a bond that eventually led to their marriage in 2014.
Following law school, Usha Chilukuri Vance clerked for Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his tenure as a court judge, and later for Chief Justice John Roberts. She then joined the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, contributing her expertise from offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. However, shortly after her husband’s nomination as Trump’s running mate, Usha decided to leave the firm, with Munger, Tolles & Olson expressing gratitude for her contributions.
JD Vance has often credited Usha as an integral part of his journey, acknowledging that her support and understanding have played a critical role in his life. He wrote in his memoir about how her presence provides him with a sense of home, highlighting the deep bond they share.
As of 2022, Usha was registered as a Republican in Ohio and participated in the Republican primary election, which intersected with her husband’s campaign. The couple has resided in Cincinnati and are parents to three children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. Usha also actively engaged in her community by serving on the Cincinnati Symphony Board of Directors for nearly three years.
This spotlight on Usha Chilukuri Vance not only illuminates her individual accomplishments but also reflects the partnership she shares with JD Vance, showcasing how their intertwined journeys are paving a path in the political landscape. As they navigate the upcoming election year, their story captivates attention, embodying themes of resilience, ambition, and familial strength.