J.D. Vance is a venture capitalist, author, and Republican politician with an estimated net worth of $5 million. In 2022, Vance was elected to the United States Senate, beginning his term in 2023. Known for his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance has established himself in both the literary and political arenas. As a freshman US Senator, Vance earns a salary of $174,000 annually. Additionally, he co-founded and is a partner in the venture capital firm Narya Capital, earning an annual salary of $327,000 from this position.
What Investments Does J.D. Vance Hold?
J.D. Vance’s financial disclosure from August 2022 lists dozens of investments. The majority of these investments are valued between $1,000 and $15,000 each. Some of his larger investments include:
- Rumble: Valued between $100,000 and $250,000.
- Kriya Therapies: Valued between $50,000 and $100,000.
- AppHarvest, Inc.: Valued between $100,000 and $200,000.
- AcreTrader Inc: Valued between $15,000 and $50,000.
His top asset is JD Vance Enterprises LLC, which manages investments and promotes his speaking, writing, and media appearances. Other significant assets include:
- Huntington National Bank: $250,000 – $500,000
- Charles Schwab checking account: $100,000 – $250,000
- Robin Hood checking account: $100,000 – $250,000
- Five Goldman Sachs CDs: Combined value of $500,000 – $1.05 million
- QQQ Exchange Traded Fund shares: $500,000 – $1 million
- 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF shares: $100,000 – $200,000
- DIA SPDR ETF: $500,000 – $1 million
- SPY SPDR ETF: $500,000 – $1 million
- Bitcoin (held through Coinbase): $100,000 – $250,000
- Walmart stock: $50,000 – $100,000
These assets alone have a combined value ranging from $2.7 million to $5.6 million.
What Real Estate Does J.D. Vance Own?
In June 2018, J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, purchased a home in Cincinnati, Ohio, for $1.4 million. The property spans over two acres and includes a 4,700-square-foot mansion built in 1858, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Vance’s financial disclosure indicates that the home was bought with a mortgage valued between $500,000 and $1 million through Navy Federal Credit Union at a 30-year fixed rate of 3.875%.
What is J.D. Vance’s Early Life and Education?
J.D. Vance was born as James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, to parents Bev and Donald. After his parents divorced when he was a toddler, he was adopted by his mother’s third husband but was primarily raised by his grandparents, James and Bonnie (Mamaw and Papaw).
Vance attended Middletown High School and, after graduating, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving in the Iraq War. He later attended Ohio State University, graduating in 2009 with a BA in political science and philosophy. Vance then obtained his JD from Yale Law School in 2013.
How Did J.D. Vance Begin His Career in Law and Finance?
Vance started his career at a corporate law firm before moving to San Francisco to become a venture capitalist. He worked as a principal at Mithril Capital, the firm of entrepreneur Peter Thiel. Later, he joined the Washington, DC-based investment firm Revolution and co-founded the Cincinnati-based firm Narya Capital.
What is “Hillbilly Elegy”?
J.D. Vance rose to fame with his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.” The book chronicles his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, and the socioeconomic hardships faced by his family and the wider Appalachian region. “Hillbilly Elegy” was a New York Times Best Seller and drew significant press for its depiction of white working-class values in the Rust Belt during a controversial election year. Despite its success, the book faced criticism for perpetuating myths about poverty and generalizations about various groups. In 2020, the memoir was adapted into a film directed by Ron Howard, starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.
Hillbilly Elegy Royalties
According to Vance’s financial disclosures, he earned substantial royalties from his book:
- 2020: $347,752
- 2021: $475,380
What Are J.D. Vance’s Political Positions?
J.D. Vance is described as a populist conservative. He has been critical of LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and the acknowledgment of climate change. Vance has persistently opposed supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia, arguing that Russia’s victory is inevitable and should inform future U.S. policy.
Initially a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, Vance later became a supporter by 2020, endorsing Trump’s policies and perpetuating claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. In July 2024, Vance was chosen as Donald Trump’s Vice Presidential running mate.
What is J.D. Vance’s Personal Life Like?
In 2014, J.D. Vance married Usha Chilukuri, a classmate from Yale Law. Together, they have three children. Raised Protestant, Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in 2019.
Conclusion
J.D. Vance’s net worth of $5 million and his diverse career highlight his success as a venture capitalist, author, and politician. From his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” to his role as a U.S. Senator and now as a Vice Presidential candidate, Vance’s journey continues to be marked by significant achievements and influence. His investments, political positions, and personal life all contribute to his multifaceted identity as a prominent figure in contemporary America.
