Usha Vance, wife of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, is a former corporate litigator who has earned recognition for her legal expertise, dedication to family, and supportive role in her husband’s career. As J.D. Vance prepares to take the oath of office alongside President-elect Donald Trump, Usha’s role as the nation’s second lady comes into focus. Here’s everything you need to know about her background, career, family life, and the couple’s shared journey.
Early Life and Education
Usha Chilukuri Vance, 38, was born and raised in San Diego, California, as the daughter of Indian immigrant parents. Her father is an engineer and lecturer at San Diego State University, and her mother, Lakshmi Chilukuri, serves as a provost for the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. Usha grew up in a household that valued education and hard work, a foundation that set her on a path of academic excellence.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and went on to receive a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge on a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Afterward, Usha returned to Yale to attend law school, where she quickly distinguished herself as a top student. Her exceptional academic background paved the way for a successful legal career.
Professional Career
Before joining her husband on the campaign trail, Usha worked at the prestigious law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson. Specializing in litigation and corporate law, she represented a diverse range of clients and handled complex cases. After graduating from Yale Law School in 2013, she clerked for prominent conservative judges, including Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and then-Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Usha’s time in private practice and her experience with the federal judiciary established her as a respected legal mind. However, she stepped back from her corporate career after J.D. Vance secured the vice-presidential nomination, dedicating herself to their growing family and her husband’s public service.
Relationship and Marriage
Usha and J.D. met as students at Yale Law School. The pair were first assigned as partners for a major writing project, and their connection quickly deepened. J.D. described Usha as a “genetic anomaly,” combining intelligence, beauty, and a hardworking nature. Their relationship blossomed, and they were married in 2014, one year after Usha graduated from Yale Law.
In his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vance credited Usha with helping him navigate new social environments and providing unwavering emotional support. He referred to her as his “spirit guide” and shared anecdotes that highlighted her wisdom and grounding presence.
Family Life
The Vances have three children: Ewan Blaine (born June 2017), Vivek (born February 2020), and Mirabel Rose (born December 2021). The family currently resides in Cincinnati’s East Walnut Hills neighborhood, though they will soon move to the official residence of the vice president at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
As parents, Usha and J.D. prioritize creating a loving and supportive environment for their children, even amid the demands of public life. They frequently share glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their close-knit bond and commitment to one another.
Faith and Beliefs
In a June 2024 interview, Usha spoke about her upbringing in a Hindu household and the values instilled by her parents. She shared that her family’s religious beliefs helped shape her moral compass, though she herself does not identify as Christian. Instead, Usha emphasizes the importance of ethical principles, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility—values that she brings to both her personal and professional life.
A New Chapter in Washington, D.C.
As second lady, Usha Vance will likely continue her focus on family while supporting her husband’s political endeavors. The role is largely ceremonial, but Usha’s intelligence, poise, and experience make her well-suited to serve as a trusted advisor and confidante to J.D. Vance as he navigates his responsibilities as vice president.
Her academic achievements, legal career, and dedication to her family position Usha Vance as a modern, accomplished second lady who will bring her own unique perspective to the national stage.