J.D. Vance, venture capitalist and author of the bestselling book “Hillbilly Elegy”, has reportedly formed an exploratory committee as he mulls running for us-regions
Vance has never before run for political office.
However, he has already attracted the attention of some influential members of the business community.
Paypal cofounder Peter Thiel poured $10 million in March into a super PAC supporting Vance’s candidacy, alongside a contribution from the megadonor Mercer family.
Former state treasurer Josh Mandel and former Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken have already announced they would be running. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, launched a campaign at the end of last month.
Vance intends to position himself as a liaison between supporters of President Donald Trump and establishment Republicans, sources previously told Axios.
President Trump won Ohio by comfortably margins in 2016 and 2020.