WASHINGTON – JD Vance has emerged as a leading figure in the populist conservative movement ignited by President-elect Donald Trump. He is set to become Trump’s successor as vice president of the United States.

Vance’s journey has been impressive, particularly as he rises from his position as a junior senator in Ohio. He first gained widespread recognition in 2016 with his best-selling book “Hillbilly Elegy,” and at just 40, he will be among the youngest vice presidents in U.S. history.

Expecting a “very active” vice presidency, Vance shared with YSL News in September, “I understand the president wants me involved in all aspects, and I certainly aim to be.”

His transformation from a never-Trump Republican to a staunch supporter has positioned him as a leading figure in Trump’s brand of conservative politics.

Having grown up in a challenging environment plagued by familial addiction and a struggling economy, Vance served in the Marine Corps and later ascended to prestigious institutions like Yale Law School and Silicon Valley.

His memoir highlighted the frustrations of the working class that contributed to Trump’s 2016 victory, setting the stage for critical topics in his current political agenda, such as critiques of foreign involvement, free trade policies, and the perceived betrayal by the nation’s elite.

Vance has acted as a voice for the working class grievances within more liberal and centrist audiences who were puzzled by Trump’s ascent, even while he had openly criticized Trump as “noxious” and “reprehensible” before labeling him “America’s Hitler” in private discussions.

As he approached his 2022 Senate election, Vance shifted his stance, becoming a significant advocate for Trump’s MAGA movement. He moved beyond Trump’s controversial personality and embraced many of his policies, leading critics to view him as disingenuous and power-hungry.

“His initial skepticism of Trump makes him more relatable and a more genuine VP pick, as he evolved into a believer in Trump’s policies,” said Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, to YSL News earlier this year.

Campaign Highlights and Challenges

Vance took on the campaign trail role of defending Trump during fundraisers, rallies, and various media appearances, sometimes facing unfriendly venues.

He clearly succeeded in the only vice presidential debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, displaying a confidence that his opponent lacked, and he frequently concluded rallies with Q&A sessions for the press.

Throughout the campaign, Vance stood by Trump during some of the most contentious moments, including the insistence that Trump had won the 2020 election and addressing claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio that local officials disputed.

Controversy also surrounded Vance as older comments referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as a “childless cat lady” resurfaced soon after his nomination, alongside other remarks suggesting that voting rights should favor parents over those without children.

Awkward campaign moments and offbeat jokes led to mockery from the left, with Walz licensing the term “weird” to describe the top of the Republican ticket.

Trump selected Vance believing he would comfortably win against President Joe Biden. However, as Biden exited the race and Trump faced a younger, more favored Democrat, speculations arose that Republicans may have had second thoughts about their vice presidential pick, speculation that the campaign contested.

Vance’s Brief Senate Career

If Vance is elected as vice president, his current Senate seat in Ohio will become vacant after serving just two years.

He will need to resign before being sworn in on January 20, and Ohio’s Republican Governor Mike DeWine will appoint someone to temporarily fill his seat until a special election can take place to select a new Senator to serve until 2028.

Even though his time in the Senate has been brief, Vance has positioned himself as a significant critic of additional federal support for Ukraine, suggesting this approach echoes past mistakes like those made in Iraq. This stance has put him at odds with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who leads his own party in the chamber.

Nonetheless, Vance has shown he is capable of collaborating with both Democratic and Republican populist senators on important economic matters. He has been active in efforts to improve internet pricing, teamed up with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to address issues related to the management of failed banks, and worked with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on federal rail safety regulations.

As vice president, Vance is likely to advocate for the positions he promoted during his campaign, such as distancing from foreign affairs, boosting U.S. oil production, and enhancing border security measures.

Several conservative leaders have informed YSL News that they perceive Vance as a representative of the Republican Party’s future.

According to Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou, who spoke to YSL News in September, Vance signifies “a realignment” of the party that emphasizes the needs of “working-class Americans who feel neglected in a global economy.”

Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation, has also voiced agreement with Vance’s vision, stating that they both believe a new conservative movement is necessary—one that integrates innovative ideas with existing policy goals and includes diverse support groups. “I think Sen. Vance is at the forefront of that movement among D.C. elected officials,” he said.