Usha Chilukuri Vance, the wife of U.S. Senator and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, is an accomplished lawyer and a key figure in her husband’s personal and professional life. Born in 1986 to Indian immigrant parents in San Diego, California, Usha grew up in an upper-middle-class suburb with a strong emphasis on education.
Her father, a mechanical engineer from IIT Madras, and her mother, a molecular biologist and academic leader at UC San Diego, instilled in her the values of hard work and intellectual curiosity.
Usha’s academic journey is remarkable. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in history and later earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. During her time at Yale Law, she met J.D. Vance, who would later become her husband. Their connection blossomed as they worked together on academic projects, with J.D. affectionately referring to Usha as his “Yale spirit guide.” The couple married in 2014 in Kentucky, incorporating both Christian and Hindu traditions into their ceremony.
Professionally, Usha has built an impressive career in law. She served as a clerk for prominent judges, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Currently, she works as a litigator specializing in complex civil cases at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. Her expertise spans various sectors such as education, government, and technology.
Beyond her legal career, Usha plays a pivotal role in J.D. Vance’s political life. She has been a steadfast supporter throughout his campaigns, including his successful bid for the Ohio Senate seat in 2021 and his recent selection as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Despite her husband’s public profile, Usha maintains a low-key presence, focusing on their family life with their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
Usha’s Indian heritage also adds depth to her identity. Raised with Telugu cultural values, she has seamlessly blended her background with her American life. Her influence extends to J.D., who has embraced aspects of her culture, even learning to cook Indian dishes for her family.
As the first Indian-American Second Lady of the United States starting January 2025, Usha Chilukuri Vance represents a bridge between cultures and stands as a testament to the possibilities of the American dream. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also of unwavering support for her husband’s journey from author of Hillbilly Elegy to one of the most prominent political figures in the country today.
