JD Vance Reflects on Catholic Conversion, Guilt Over Hindu Wife Usha’s Sacrifices: “She Didn’t Sign Up for This”
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Senator JD Vance shared his journey of converting to Catholicism and the impact it has had on his family, particularly his wife, Usha. Raised in a Hindu household, Usha has supported Vance’s spiritual transition, though he admits feeling guilty about the additional burdens it has placed on her.
Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, explained that he often wonders if Usha truly expected the changes that came with his conversion. “You didn’t sign up to marry a weekly churchgoer. Are you okay with this?” he revealed asking her. While Usha hasn’t converted herself, she attends church with him and manages their children during Mass, all while juggling her professional career. Despite his guilt, Vance emphasized her unwavering support.
Reflecting on his path, Vance admitted that his faith provided the guidance he felt was missing in the meritocratic values of his upbringing. His spiritual awakening between 2017 and 2019, fueled by his professional success and fatherhood, led him back to Christianity after years of distancing himself from it.
As Vance navigates this personal transformation, he is open about the toll it has taken on his family, but he remains grateful for Usha’s commitment, even when she didn’t “sign up for” the changes that his faith has brought into their lives.
