Career Timeline of JD Vance: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how JD Vance made an impact.

J.D. Vance is an American politician and author. He is a Republican and serves as the 50th Vice President of the United States. Prior to this role, he was a U.S. Senator representing Ohio from 2023 to 2025.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2003: Enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps

In 2003, J.D. Vance enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. This marked the beginning of his four-year tenure in the military where he served as a military journalist in public affairs.

2003: Graduation and Enlistment

In 2003, J.D. Vance graduated from Middletown High School and subsequently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

December 2005: Roundtable Discussion with Dick Cheney

In December 2005, while serving in the Marine Corps, J.D. Vance participated in a roundtable discussion with Vice President Dick Cheney during his deployment in Iraq.

2007: End of Military Service

In 2007, J.D. Vance concluded his four-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Ohio State University using the G.I. Bill.

2010: Writing for FrumForum under the name J. D. Hamel

From 2010 to 2011, J.D. Vance wrote for David Frum's "FrumForum" website under the pseudonym J. D. Hamel.

2011: Initiation of Rapport with Peter Thiel

In 2011, J.D. Vance established a rapport with Peter Thiel after attending Thiel's talk at Yale University.

2015: Employment at Circuit Therapeutics

From 2015 to 2017, J.D. Vance worked at Circuit Therapeutics, a biotech company. He was hired for his intelligence, legal qualifications, and connection to Peter Thiel.

June 2016: Publication of "Hillbilly Elegy"

In June 2016, Harper published J.D. Vance's book, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis." The book quickly became a bestseller and propelled Vance into the national spotlight.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

December 2016: Plans to Move to Ohio

In December 2016, J.D. Vance announced his plans to move to Ohio and consider starting a nonprofit organization or running for political office.

2016: Publication of Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, J.D. Vance gained national prominence with the publication of his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which explored the disaffection of the white working class after Donald Trump's election.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

2016: Joining Mithril Capital

In 2016, J.D. Vance joined Peter Thiel's firm, Mithril Capital, as a principal, marking his entry into the technology industry as a venture capitalist after a brief career in law.

March 2017: Board of Directors of AppHarvest

From March 2017 to April 2021, J.D. Vance was on the board of directors of AppHarvest, a startup focused on indoor vertical farming in Kentucky. AppHarvest was also one of Narya Capital's first investments.

April 2017: Ron Howard Signed to Direct Hillbilly Elegy Film

In April 2017, Ron Howard signed on to direct the film adaptation of J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy."

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

2017: CNN Contributor

In 2017 and 2018, J.D. Vance worked as a contributor for CNN, offering his insights and analysis on various topics.

2017: Hillbilly Elegy on The New York Times Best Seller List

In 2017, Hillbilly Elegy remained on The New York Times Best Seller list, solidifying its impact and influence on discussions about American culture and politics.

2017: Departure from Circuit Therapeutics and Mithril

In 2017, J.D. Vance departed from both Circuit Therapeutics and Mithril Capital, concluding his involvement with both companies and returning to Ohio.

2017: Creation of Our Ohio Renewal

In 2017, J.D. Vance established Our Ohio Renewal, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization focused on addressing education, addiction, and other social issues in Ohio.

2017: Formation of Our Ohio Renewal Foundation

In 2017, J.D. Vance formed a 501(c)(3) organization named Our Ohio Renewal Foundation, which raised approximately $69,000 from 2017 to 2023.

2017: Departure from Mithril Capital

In 2017, J.D. Vance left Mithril Capital, concluding his tenure at the venture capital firm after clashing with its co-founder. He subsequently moved back to Ohio and became involved in other ventures.

2018: CNN Contributor

In 2017 and 2018, J.D. Vance worked as a contributor for CNN, offering his insights and analysis on various topics.

2018: Joining Revolution LLC

In 2018, J.D. Vance joined Revolution LLC, an investment firm founded by Steve Case, where he focused on expanding the "Rise of the Rest" initiative to invest in underserved regions.

2019: Co-founding Rockbridge Network and Narya Capital

In 2019, J.D. Vance co-founded the conservative political advocacy group Rockbridge Network and the venture capital firm Narya Capital in Cincinnati.

2019: Advisor for With Honor Fund

In 2019, J.D. Vance served on the board of advisors of the With Honor Fund, a Super PAC supporting veterans running for office.

November 11, 2020: Release of Hillbilly Elegy Film

On November 11, 2020, the film adaptation of "Hillbilly Elegy," directed by Ron Howard, was released in select theaters. Later that month, it became available on Netflix.

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2020: Advisor for American Moment

From 2020 to 2023, J.D. Vance was on the board of advisors of American Moment, an organization for young conservatives affiliated with Project 2025.

2020: Raising Funds for Narya Capital

In 2020, J.D. Vance successfully raised $93 million for his venture capital firm, Narya Capital.

2020: Advisory Board Members Remained in Position

In 2020, Keith Humphreys, Jamil Jivani, Yuval Levin, and Sally Satel remained as advisory board members of Our Ohio Renewal, maintaining their positions throughout the organization's existence.

March 2021: Peter Thiel donates to Protect Ohio Values PAC

In March 2021, Peter Thiel donated $10 million to Protect Ohio Values, a super PAC created to support a potential JD Vance candidacy.

March 2021: Vance suggests higher taxes for childless people

In a March 2021 interview on The Charlie Kirk Show, JD Vance suggested that childless people should be taxed at a higher rate than those with children.

April 2021: End of AppHarvest Board Membership

July 1, 2021: Vance announces Senate campaign

On July 1, 2021, JD Vance formally announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.

2021: Closure of Our Ohio Renewal

By 2021, Our Ohio Renewal closed its operations with limited achievements. According to its director of law and policy, Jamil Jivani, the organization's work was hindered by his cancer diagnosis.

2021: Vance supports Donald Trump

In 2021, after announcing his Senate candidacy, Vance publicly endorsed Donald Trump, apologizing for past criticisms and deleting some of them.

May 3, 2022: Vance wins Republican primary

On May 3, 2022, JD Vance won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, securing 32% of the vote.

2022: Financial support for Vance's Senate campaign

In 2022, David Sacks gave a super PAC supporting JD Vance's Senate campaign $900,000, and Peter Thiel added $15 million.

2022: Election to the Senate

In 2022, J.D. Vance was elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic nominee Tim Ryan after winning a Republican primary with Donald Trump's endorsement.

January 3, 2023: Vance sworn into the Senate

On January 3, 2023, JD Vance was sworn into the Senate as a member of the 118th United States Congress, representing Ohio.

January 31, 2023: Vance endorses Donald Trump

On January 31, 2023, JD Vance endorsed former president Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries.

March 1, 2023: Vance co-sponsors bipartisan legislation

On March 1, 2023, JD Vance and Senator Sherrod Brown co-sponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing derailments, but the bill failed due to lack of Republican support.

June 2023: Vance votes against raising the debt ceiling

In June 2023, JD Vance voted against raising the debt ceiling, opposing the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, citing concerns about its impact on the military.

July 2023: Vance introduces legislation on gender-affirming care

In July 2023, JD Vance and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced legislation that would have made gender-affirming care for minors a federal crime, with penalties of up to 12 years in prison.

2023: Advisor for American Moment

From 2020 to 2023, J.D. Vance was on the board of advisors of American Moment, an organization for young conservatives affiliated with Project 2025.

2023: Limited Spending by Our Ohio Renewal Foundation

In 2017, J.D. Vance formed a 501(c)(3) organization named Our Ohio Renewal Foundation, which raised approximately $69,000 from 2017 to 2023.

2023: AppHarvest Bankruptcy

In 2023, AppHarvest, a company where J.D. Vance served on the board of directors from 2017 to 2021, went bankrupt owing over $340 million. The company faced challenges due to inexperience among its executives and complaints about working conditions.

May 15, 2024: Trump and Vance attend fundraising dinner

On May 15, 2024, Donald Trump attended a $50,000 per head private fundraising dinner with JD Vance in Cincinnati.

June 2024: Vance sponsors the Dismantle DEI Act

In June 2024, JD Vance sponsored the Dismantle DEI Act, which would ban federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and funding for agencies, contractors, and organizations receiving federal funds.

July 15, 2024: Trump chooses Vance as running mate

On July 15, 2024, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had chosen JD Vance as his running mate for the upcoming election.

July 2024: Vance's Senate legislative record in mid-July

Data from mid-July 2024, showed that JD Vance had made 45 Senate speeches and sponsored 57 legislative bills, none of which had passed the Senate at that time.

July 2024: Negative Approval Rating Post Republican National Convention

In July 2024, a CNN poll analysis after the Republican National Convention showed that JD Vance had a net-negative approval rating. His public reception raised concerns about his choice as running mate.

July 2024: Vance comments on Kamala Harris after Biden's withdrawal

In late July 2024, after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and Kamala Harris became a candidate, JD Vance stated that Harris did not have the same baggage as Biden.

July 26, 2024: Vance clarifies controversial remarks about "childless cat ladies"

On July 26, 2024, JD Vance clarified his controversial 2021 remarks about "childless cat ladies" on The Megyn Kelly Show, stating that his criticism was aimed at the Democratic Party's anti-family stance.

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August 2024: Vance says Trump would veto abortion ban

In August 2024, JD Vance claimed that Donald Trump had explicitly stated he would veto a national abortion ban if it came to his desk.

August 2024: Vance changes his rhetoric on Kamala Harris

In August 2024, after previously commenting on Kamala Harris' presidential prospects, JD Vance stated that a vice president "doesn't really matter" and that Harris "has been a bad vice president".

August 2024: Vance supports increasing child tax credit

In an August 2024 interview on Face the Nation, JD Vance expressed support for increasing the child tax credit from $2,000 to $5,000 per child.

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September 2024: Vance makes unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants

In September 2024, JD Vance made unsubstantiated allegations about Haitian illegal immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which were later echoed by Donald Trump. These claims were refuted by local authorities.

September 2024: Trump contradicts Vance's claim on abortion veto

In September 2024, during his debate with Kamala Harris, Donald Trump contradicted JD Vance's earlier statement that he would veto a national abortion ban, saying he hadn't discussed it with Vance.

September 2024: Vance speaks at event organized by election denier

In late September 2024, JD Vance spoke at a town hall event organized by Lance Wallnau, who has promoted election denialism and called Kamala Harris a "demon".

October 1, 2024: Vice Presidential Debate

The vice presidential debate was held on October 1, 2024, at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.

October 2024: Favorability Increase After VP Debate

After the October 2024 vice-presidential debate, a CBS News/YouGov poll showed that JD Vance's favorability rose from 40% to 49%.

October 2024: Vance questions 2020 election

In October 2024, JD Vance stated that he did not believe Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, claiming that "Big Tech rigged the election" through censorship.

2024: Selection as Trump's Running Mate

In 2024, J.D. Vance was selected as Donald Trump's running mate in the presidential election. Subsequently, he resigned from the Senate before being inaugurated as Vice President of the United States.

January 3, 2025: End of Vance's first term as senator

JD Vance's time as Ohio's junior senator came to an end on January 3, 2025.

January 20, 2025: Vance becomes Vice President

On January 20, 2025, JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States. He is the first Marine Corps veteran to hold the office.

February 2025: Vance comments on judicial power

In February 2025, after multiple federal judges issued rulings against Trump administration actions, Vice President JD Vance wrote that "judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power".

February 2025: Vance's Munich Security Conference Speech

In February 2025, during his speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Vance stated that the biggest threat to Europe's security was "the threat from within," not Russia or China. This stance was interpreted by some media outlets as a turning point in EU-US relations and a declaration of an "ideological war."

February 28, 2025: Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

On February 28, 2025, Vance and Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House. Vance advocated for diplomacy with Russia, leading to a hostile exchange with Zelenskyy, who questioned the effectiveness of diplomacy given Russia's non-compliance with previous agreements.

March 2025: Vance visits Greenland

In March 2025, Vice President Vance visited Greenland, advocating for U.S. acquisition of Greenland and warning against the influence of China and Russia. He also criticized Denmark's investment in Greenland's security.

May 2025: Vance helps mediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan

In May 2025, Vance, along with Marco Rubio, played a role in mediating a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan amidst their conflict.

2025: U.S. Senator

James David Vance served as a U.S. Senator for Ohio from 2023 to 2025.

February 2026: Vance visits Armenia

In February 2026, Vance became the first sitting U.S. vice president to visit Armenia. He met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to promote a U.S.-brokered civil nuclear energy deal to reduce Russia's regional influence.

March 2026: Reports Emerge of Policy Divide Between Trump and Vance Regarding US-Israeli Strikes Against Iran

In March 2026, reports surfaced indicating a policy disagreement between President Trump and Vice President Vance concerning U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. Despite publicly defending the administration's actions as necessary to counter Iran's nuclear threat, Vance reportedly voiced skepticism during internal White House discussions preceding the military operation.