JD Vance Announces New Memoir Amidst 2028 Presidential Buzz
US Vice President JD Vance has announced a forthcoming memoir centered on his conversion to Catholicism, fueling ongoing speculation about a potential bid for the presidency in 2028. Titled Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, the book is slated for release on June 16th by HarperCollins and is described as a deeply personal exploration of faith throughout Vance’s life.
A Spiritual Journey Unveiled
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vance revealed he’s been working on this project “for a long time,” characterizing it as an account of rediscovering religion. “Communion is about my personal journey and how I found my way back to faith,” he stated. The publisher details the book’s exploration of Vance’s period of lost faith and his eventual return to Christianity.
Vance’s conversion to Catholicism occurred in 2019 at the age of 35, following a childhood in a loosely evangelical environment. According to HarperCollins, the memoir will reveal how his faith informs his work in public service and shapes his vision for the future. This exploration of faith is particularly noteworthy given the increasing prominence of religion in Vance’s political identity.
Positioning for 2028?
The timing of this announcement is significant, as Vance is increasingly viewed as a leading contender for the 2028 Republican nomination. The release of a memoir before a presidential run is a common strategy in US politics. Several potential Democratic candidates for 2028, including Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, have also recently released or announced books.
Faith and Policy: A Complex Intersection
Vance’s emphasis on his Catholic faith has demonstrably influenced his stances on key issues such as abortion and family policy. He has previously used the concept of ordo amoris – “order of love” – to justify the White House’s immigration policies, arguing for prioritizing obligations to citizens over non-citizens. These views have, at times, drawn criticism, even from within the Vatican. Notably, before becoming Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, an X account believed to be his shared critiques of the administration’s proposed mass deportations, linking to an opinion piece arguing that “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” The late Pope Francis, in a letter, emphasized the importance of a “fraternity open to all, without exception,” referencing the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Following the Success of Hillbilly Elegy
Communion builds upon the success of Vance’s critically acclaimed debut, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, published in 2016. Hillbilly Elegy chronicled Vance’s upbringing in rural Ohio and his journey from a challenging family background to Yale Law School. The book became a national bestseller, remaining on the New York Times list for over 200 weeks, selling more than five million copies worldwide, and was later adapted into a film directed by Ron Howard and starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. New York Times Best Sellers
With Communion, JD Vance offers a new layer of insight into his personal beliefs and political philosophy, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the Republican party and a potential contender for the highest office in the land.
