J.D. Vance is a venture capitalist, author, and Republican politician, with an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from various sources, including his political career, investments, book royalties, and his role in venture capital.
Political and Professional Earnings
In 2022, Vance was elected to the United States Senate, beginning his term in 2023. As a U.S. Senator, he earns an annual salary of $174,000. In addition to his political career, Vance co-founded and is a partner in the venture capital firm Narya Capital, where he earns an annual salary of $327,000.
Investments and Financial Portfolio
J.D. Vance has a diverse investment portfolio. His financial disclosure from August 2022 lists several investments, with the majority 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 his 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 have a combined value ranging from $2.7 million to $5.6 million.
Real Estate
In June 2018, J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, 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. 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%.
Early Life and Education
Born James Donald Bowman on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, J.D. Vance had a challenging upbringing. After his parents divorced when he was a toddler, he was primarily raised by his grandparents, James and Bonnie (Mamaw and Papaw). Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Iraq War and later attended Ohio State University, graduating in 2009 with a BA in political science and philosophy. He earned his JD from Yale Law School in 2013.
Career in Law and Finance
Vance began his career in law before transitioning to venture capital. He worked as a principal at Mithril Capital, a firm associated with entrepreneur Peter Thiel. Later, he joined the Washington, DC-based investment firm Revolution and co-founded the Cincinnati-based firm Narya Capital.
“Hillbilly Elegy” and Royalties
J.D. Vance rose to fame with his 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis”. The book became a New York Times Best Seller and drew significant attention for its depiction of white working-class values in the Rust Belt. In 2020, the memoir was adapted into a film directed by Ron Howard, starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.
Vance earned substantial royalties from the book:
- 2020: $347,752
- 2021: $475,380
Political Positions
J.D. Vance is known as a populist conservative and has been critical of LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change acknowledgment. He has opposed U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, arguing for a shift in U.S. policy. Initially a critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, Vance later became a supporter and was chosen as Trump’s Vice Presidential running mate in July 2024.
Personal Life
In 2014, J.D. Vance married Usha Chilukuri, a fellow Yale Law classmate. They have three children. Raised Protestant, Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in 2019.
Conclusion
J.D. Vance’s estimated net worth of $5 million reflects his success across various fields, from venture capital and writing to politics. His bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” and his role as a U.S. Senator have solidified his position as a prominent figure in contemporary America. His investments, real estate, and royalties continue to contribute to his wealth and influence.
