Usha Chilukuri Vance highlights rising influence of Indian Americans in U.S. Politics

Former President Donald Trump has announced Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the 2024 election. On the opening day of the Republican National Convention, Vance, 39, was accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, who has become a prominent figure in highlighting the rise of Indian Americans in politics.

Usha Chilukuri Vance, 38, was raised in San Diego by Indian immigrant parents. Her mother, a microbiologist and provost at the University of California at San Diego, and her father, an engineer, instilled in her a strong educational foundation. Usha's parents, who are Hindu, played a significant role in shaping her values. In a recent interview with "Fox & Friends," she spoke about the positive influence of her religious upbringing.

A distinguished lawyer, Usha Vance clerked for Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh. She holds a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University and a master’s of philosophy from the University of Cambridge, where she studied on a prestigious Gates Cambridge scholarship. At Yale Law School, she met J.D. Vance, and the two married in an interfaith ceremony in 2014.

Despite her achievements, Usha Vance's political affiliations have evolved over time. According to public records, she participated in Democratic primaries as recently as 2014 but voted in the 2022 Republican primary in support of her husband. Her party allegiance remains somewhat ambiguous, reflecting a blend of conservative and progressive experiences.

Usha recently resigned from her position at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson following her husband’s selection as Trump’s running mate. "Usha has informed us she has decided to leave the firm," stated Munger, Tolles & Olson. "She has been an excellent lawyer and colleague, and we wish her the best in her future career."

In a statement, Usha explained her resignation was to "focus on caring for our family" amidst the new political developments. Her departure mirrors the path of Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, who left his law firm after Harris was chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020.

Usha Vance’s story resonates with many in the Indian American community, particularly as figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, and presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, rise to prominence. Ravi Gaddampally, a Republican National Convention delegate, remarked on Usha’s relevance to immigrant families. "Usha is a second-generation Indian, so she understands the issues facing her generation," Gaddampally said.

Indian Americans have predominantly supported Democratic candidates, as seen in the 2020 election where Joe Biden received significant backing from South Asian voters. However, Steve Rao, a Morrisville Councilman, emphasizes that the community’s pro-business and centrist values could shift support towards the GOP.

Sarika Bansal, the first Indian American elected to the Cary Town Council, highlighted the growing political engagement within the community. "When you see growth, there's a need for representation," Bansal stated. "They want leaders who look like them."

As Indian Americans continue to shape the political landscape, Usha Vance’s journey symbolizes a broader trend of increasing representation and influence in American politics.