COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, has a complex history with his name. Born James Donald Bowman in Middletown, Ohio, on August 2, 1984, Vance's name has undergone several changes over the years.
After his parents split up when he was young, his mother, Beverly, married Robert Hamel, and he was adopted, becoming James David Hamel. This change erased his original name from the public record.
Despite this, Vance continued to go by 'J.D.,' a name derived from his initials. He used this name throughout his education, military service, and early career.
However, after his adoptive parents divorced, Vance decided to change his name once again. In April 2013, before his graduation from Yale, he adopted the last name 'Vance' in honor of his grandmother, Bonnie Blanton Vance, who raised him.
This name change also connected Vance to his family's heritage, as he claimed ties to 'hillbilly royalty' through his grandfather's lineage.
Using the name 'Vance,' he entered the legal profession, authored a bestselling book, and ventured into the world of finance and technology in Silicon Valley.
When Vance entered politics in July 2021, he dropped the periods from 'JD,' a stylistic choice he had often used. He now prefers to be referred to as JD Vance, without the periods.
Despite these changes, Vance's legal name remains James David Vance. The Associated Press, following industry standards, respects his preference to be called JD with no periods.
