At this year’s RNC Convention, Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald J. Trump announced his long-awaited and much-anticipated running mate for the 2024 election. Trump surprised many by announcing that freshman Ohio Senator JD Vance would be his right-hand man in the race to the White House.
JD Vance is a politician unlike any my generation has seen. Not only is he from an underrepresented part of the country, Appalachia, but he is also an accomplished storyteller, with his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis,” having captured hearts and struck tears in the eyes of many. An irrefutable example of the American dream, a beacon of hope, and a purveyor of true grit, JD Vance is the Vice Presidential candidate America needs. He has overcome all obstacles to achieve the seemingly impossible. And at only 39 years old, he can bridge the way for a younger wave of conservative politicians.
With a population of 26.4 million in 2022, Appalachia is a significant part of the American landscape, yet it is frequently neglected in national politics. JD Vance’s roots in Appalachia with upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, and his deep ties to the region provide him with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by its residents. His understanding of the cultural and economic issues plaguing Appalachia makes him an empathetic and knowledgeable advocate for policies that can truly benefit this community.
Growing up in a region where higher education is not an option for many—only 13% of working-age adults in central Appalachia and 15% in rural Appalachian counties have a bachelor's degree—Vance defied the odds. Not only did Vance graduate from Ohio State University, he went on to earn a law degree from Yale Law School – a true testament of his resilience and grit. Even though Vance was the first one in his family to attend college, Vance’s mother was Salutatorian of her high school, confirming that educational availability makes all the difference in the trajectory of an individual’s life. His achievements in education serve as a powerful example and beacon of hope for many young people in similar circumstances.
Current poverty rates in Appalachia range from 6.5% to 41.0%, with an average of 16.3%, higher than the national average of 11.5%. During a time where many Americans are struggling to afford groceries, poverty threatens the health and economic well-being of 37.9 million people and looms over the nation as a whole. Even though impoverished, Vance’s grandmother believed in him and, despite economic ability, she put him on the right track to make him the American we see today. Because of this, Vance provides hope to a nation with millions of dollars down the drain that once again there will be better days and that the millions of other “JDs” scattered throughout Appalachia can achieve the same with a nudge of support and recognition of talent.
Substance abuse is a crisis that has disproportionately impacted Appalachia. In 2021, overdose-related mortality rates for people ages 25–54 were 72 percent higher in the region than the rest of the country. Vance’s own family history of substance abuse gives him a personal connection to this issue. He understands the additional barriers that Appalachians struggling with substance use disorder face, including transportation, housing, access to care, education, and steady employment. Vance's commitment to addressing this crisis is evident in his advocacy for comprehensive solutions that include prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
Vance’s service in the United States Marine Corps sets him apart as a candidate with military experience. He is the first Presidential - Vice Presidential candidate from a major party with military service since John McCain in 2008. It is one thing to aid the Commander in Chief, but it is another to serve in the military under one. He didn’t get to vote for or against the war he fought in. Instead, he served selflessly, giving him a unique perspective on national security and veterans' issues and making him a strong advocate for the men and women who serve our country.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Vance is intimately familiar with the struggles faced by millions of American families. In 2022, approximately 18.3 million children across America lived without a father in the home. Vance’s personal experience gives him a deep understanding of the importance of policies that support single-parent households and ensure that all children have the opportunities they need to succeed. He also helps to break down the long held stigma that children which grow from broken homes are less successful and experience poorer outcomes overall.
JD Vance brings a unique blend of personal experience, professional achievement, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing many Americans today. His background and perspective make him an ideal running mate for Donald Trump. Together, they appeal to the boardroom regulars of big cities and the families trying to make ends meet in small-town America. They have the potential to address the needs of communities left behind, advocate for education and economic opportunities, and also stimulate the economy and tackle the red tape needed to bring the country back up to economic par.
At only 39 years old, JD Vance could be the first millenial in the White House. This signals that the torch has begun to be passed with Vance receiving a major vote of confidence from President Trump. The average age of the last three elected Vice Presidents is 60 years old - Dick Cheney was 59 in 2000, Joe Biden was 66 in 2008, and Mike Pence was 57 in 2016. While age is just a number and cognitive ability takes precedence, there is something to be said about paving the way for the next generation of Republicans to step up and run for office. With the world ever changing, it is important for the Party’s future that younger members feel empowered and that career politicians are forced to stay relevant by competing with millennials and soon, Generation Z.
As we look to the future, JD Vance represents a bridge to a new generation of conservative leadership that is grounded in real-life experience and a commitment to making a difference. The man from forgotten America now has his eyes on the White House and he is bringing Appalachia with him.