When J.D. Vance was introduced as Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, the spotlight quickly shifted to a new face—Usha Chilukuri Vance. While J.D. is known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy and his rapid ascent in politics, Usha has managed to stay mostly behind the scenes. But make no mistake: Usha is a powerhouse in her own right, with a legal career that would make even the most seasoned attorneys take note.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Usha, 39, is the daughter of Telugu Indian immigrants and a first-generation American. Her story is a fascinating mix of immigrant grit, academic brilliance, and an unexpected love story that took root in the halls of Yale Law School. As J.D. Vance’s closest advisor and wife, Usha brings a different perspective to the political stage—one shaped by her own remarkable journey.
Here’s everything you need to know about the woman behind the Vice President.
From San Diego to D.C.: Usha’s Early Life and Family
Usha Chilukuri was born in 1986 in San Diego to Indian immigrants who moved to the U.S. seeking better opportunities. Her mother, a biologist, is now a provost at the University of California, San Diego, while her father is an engineer. Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood with a strong focus on education, Usha was taught the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age.
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Usha spoke openly about her background, saying, “My background is very different from J.D.’s. I grew up in San Diego, in a middle-class community with two loving parents, both immigrants from India, and a wonderful sister. That J.D. and I could meet at all, let alone fall in love and marry, is a testament to this great country.”
Her story is, in many ways, the quintessential American Dream—a first-generation American excelling in academics and building a successful career. Her net worth, while not officially disclosed, is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, thanks to her legal career and investments shared with her husband, whose net worth sits at around $10 million.
A Stellar Academic Path: Yale, Cambridge, and Beyond
Usha’s academic credentials are nothing short of impressive. After graduating from Yale Law School with a Juris Doctor degree, she earned a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge through the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. That’s not a path for the faint of heart—or mind.
While at Yale, Usha met J.D. in a law class. The two quickly bonded over their shared love for debate and policy discussions. J.D., in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, described Usha as a grounding force who made him feel at home in an environment that often felt foreign. After graduating in 2013, the couple married the following year, setting the stage for what would become a partnership in both life and politics.
A Legal Career Among Conservatives
Usha’s legal career has been marked by a series of high-profile clerkships with some of the most influential conservative judges in the country. After Yale, she clerked for Judge Amul Thapar, Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, and Judge Brett Kavanaugh when he served on the U.S. Court of Appeals. These roles not only bolstered her legal resume but also connected her with some of the most powerful figures in the conservative legal world.
Until July 2024, Usha worked for the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, a position she left after her husband became the Republican vice-presidential nominee. While she hasn’t publicly discussed her decision to step back from law, it’s clear that her focus is now on supporting J.D. as he navigates the political landscape of Washington.
Family Life: The Vance Clan
J.D. and Usha have built a life that blends their very different backgrounds. The couple lives primarily in their Cincinnati home, a 4,500-square-foot property in East Walnut Hills worth about $1.8 million. They also own a $1.6 million home in Alexandria, Virginia, reflecting their need to juggle life between Ohio and the political epicenter of D.C.
Together, they have three children: Ewan, 7; Vivek, 4; and Mirabel, 2. Balancing a bustling family life with a high-stakes political career isn’t easy, but Usha seems to handle it with the same calm precision she applied to her legal career.
Family values are a cornerstone of J.D.’s political platform, and Usha’s story—rooted in immigrant perseverance and a commitment to education—complements that message perfectly. Their shared net worth, boosted by J.D.’s investments in venture capital, real estate, and book royalties, is estimated to be around $10 million.
Politics and Paradoxes
One of the more interesting aspects of Usha’s story is the contrast between her family’s immigrant background and the Republican Party’s often hardline stance on immigration—a stance J.D. has endorsed. This paradox wasn’t lost on observers when Usha took the stage at the Republican National Convention. However, Usha didn’t shy away from the contrast; instead, she highlighted it as a testament to the opportunities America provides.
For critics, this duality is hard to reconcile. For supporters, it’s proof that the American Dream is alive and well—no matter which side of the political aisle you’re on.
