Usha Vance has always preferred to stay in the background, quietly supporting her husband JD Vance as he earned acclaim for his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, and pursued a U.S. Senate seat in 2022. To JD, she is a beacon of brilliance and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos of his early years.
However, the third night of the Republican National Convention marked a turning point for Usha. Stepping into the limelight, she delivered a primetime speech that introduced both herself and her husband to the nation. She eloquently highlighted their journey as a testament to the American dream.
The Vances have recently emerged as national figures following Donald Trump’s selection of JD as his vice-presidential running mate. This elevation has thrust Usha into the spotlight, where she has received a warm reception overall. Yet, some far-right voices have marred this moment with racist attacks on her Indian heritage.
At the convention, Usha’s debut was met with praise from Republican delegates, despite a few muted moments—such as when she humorously recounted her husband’s adaptation to her vegetarian lifestyle. Delegate Wendi Baggaley from North Dakota described Usha’s heritage as “beautiful” and admired her confident and heartfelt speech.
Born to Indian immigrants and a practicing Hindu, Usha Vance grew up in San Diego. She advanced her education at Yale and the University of Cambridge before graduating from Yale Law School, where she met JD Vance. After a successful career as a litigator at Munger, Tolles & Olson, she stepped back from her role following her husband’s vice-presidential nomination.
In her speech, Usha reflected on the remarkable journey that led them to this point, noting how her husband’s rise from humble beginnings exemplifies the American dream. She also injected a touch of humor, mentioning their personal anecdotes.
Despite the enthusiasm, Usha’s ascension has not been without controversy. Some far-right critics have targeted her ethnic background, but this has not overshadowed the broader Republican effort to showcase diversity within the party. Nikki Haley and other party leaders have advocated for greater inclusion, despite some resistance.
Catherine Ernsky, an alternate delegate, believes that Usha Vance will be warmly embraced by most Republicans, despite a few negative voices. She pointed out that while there will always be dissenting opinions, the party remains committed to welcoming diverse voices.
