'Hillbilly Elegy' author JD Vance joins US Senate campaign in Ohio Vance's book was widely seen in 2016 as helping explain Donald Trump's appeal to struggling white, working-class voters. Credit: AP FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2016, file photo, author J.D. Vance poses after a luncheon with teachers ahead of his talk and book signing at the school's student center in Oxford, Ohio. (AP Photo/Dan Sewell) Author: DAN SEWELL Associated Press Published: 10:10 PM EDT July 1, 2021 Updated: 10:10 PM EDT July 1, 2021 The venture capitalist and author of “Hillbilly Elegy” officially joined the crowded Republican race for the Ohio U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Rob Portman.