JD Vance, who is just 31 years old, began his memoir by acknowledging the “somewhat absurd” nature of his venture—writing a book with limited life experience and no significant titles to boast about.

Now, nearly a decade later, he is gearing up to be inaugurated as the 50th vice president of the United States.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be standing here tonight,” Vance remarked to a crowded audience after accepting his nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year.

He will take the oath of office on Monday alongside President-elect Donald Trump, marking a remarkable journey just two years after he became a U.S. senator for Ohio. This moment epitomizes Vance’s rapid and somewhat contentious rise in politics: a former sharp critic of Trump, he eventually became one of the president-elect’s most supportive advocates.

At 40, the father of three now finds himself in a novel situation as the youngest millennial vice president, working under an aging president who has survived two assassination attempts. If he desires, Vance could set his sights on the presidency for the 2028 election once Trump completes his term.

“This nomination is incredibly valuable because it positions you for the possibility of becoming president in just four years, which is unusual,” noted Kyle Kondik, managing editor for Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

What type of vice president is JD Vance likely to be?

Since the election in November, Vance has kept a low profile regarding his new responsibilities and aspirations for the upcoming four years.

He is not like Mike Pence.

Trump’s first vice president stepped into the role in 2017 with extensive experience in politics, having previously served in Congress and as governor of Indiana. Pence was generally viewed as a stabilizing force for the administration, bridging the gap with evangelical voters who had reservations about Trump. Throughout his time, Pence oversaw the White House’s COVID-19 task force and utilized his legislative experience to connect with Congress on behalf of Trump.

However, their relationship deteriorated when Pence declined to block the certification of the 2020 election results.

Conversely, Vance has only served in the Senate for two years and shares similar characteristics and policies with Trump. He is unafraid to provoke dissent and often embraces the role of Trump’s advocate on various platforms. In a podcast discussion last September, Vance expressed that he would have urged states to produce alternative elector slates if he had been in Pence’s position during the events of January 6, 2021.

Vance’s transition into the vice presidency provides insights into his potential role and responsibilities.

He has arranged meetings between Senate Republicans and some of Trump’s more controversial cabinet choices, such as Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Additionally, he joined the incoming second lady, Usha Vance, in western North Carolina to assess damage from storms and criticized how the Biden administration handled the situation. In a recent Fox News interview, Vance acted as a spokesperson for Trump’s comments on the prospective acquisition of Greenland and discussed the administration’s immediate objectives.

“Government should be reduced in size, but it must perform effectively when addressing its designated roles,” Vance emphasized. “That’s one of the goals President Trump and I will strive to achieve.”

A key element of Vance’s approach appears to be his eagerness to support Trump whenever necessary.

A source familiar with the transition mentioned that Vance will look to the president for direction, although he has particular interests in immigration, technology, and trade policy. It’s premature to determine which specific issues Vance will handle for Trump, but the duo has forged a strong relationship based on trust.

“Success as vice president hinges on your rapport with the president and your ability to be perceived favorably in your role,” explained Joel Goldstein, a law professor and expert on the vice presidency at Saint Louis University. “These two aspects are deeply interconnected; presidents tend to trust and empower those whom they respect.”

Jerry Dobbins fondly recalls a young Vance from his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, long before Vance was set to take office as vice president. Dobbins lived just two doors down from Vance’s grandmother, affectionately known as “Mamaw,” who he describes as a “tough bird” who encouraged her grandson to excel and steer clear of trouble.

During his formative years, Vance faced challenges, including his mother’s struggle with addiction and numerous shifting father figures. Dobbins believes these early life experiences will influence Vance’s decisions in the White House.

“Growing up in our neighborhood, I’d say nobody was genuinely poor, but financial resources were limited,” Dobbins reflected. “I believe he understands the importance of looking out for everyone.”

‘He knows why he’s there’

Nevertheless, critics of Vance suspect a more self-serving motive behind his swift advancement in politics: an opportunist willing to do whatever it takes for personal gain.

“JD got what he wanted; now we need to see how he handles it,” stated Josh McLaurin, a Democratic state representative from Georgia who shared a living space with Vance during their time at Yale Law School. “American democracy will give his perspective a fair chance. Perhaps Aesop’s moral tales about character are misguided.”

It remains uncertain what Vance’s aspirations are beyond the vice presidency. With Trump constitutionally unable to run again in 2028, Vance might be positioned as the leading candidate among prospective Republican contenders. Many view him as the natural successor to Trump’s movement, especially following a strong performance in the vice-presidential debate that led “Vance 2028” to trend on social media.

Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming noted that he didn’t know much about Vance before the last Republican National Convention, but Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson assured him, “You’ll appreciate this guy.” Vance gained traction with GOP voters during the campaign and checks all the right boxes: intelligent, capable, and loyal to Trump.

Schimming believes Vance has a promising future ahead, but he expects him to prioritize fulfilling the responsibilities of his current role.

“No one will be watching him gauging curtain lengths or mapping out personal décor over the next four years,” Schimming remarked. “He understands his purpose and the job he’s there to do.”

Haley BeMiller reports on state government and politics for the Ohio Bureau of the News Network, which includes the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, and 18 other affiliated news outlets throughout Ohio.