Beverly Aikins, the mother of Ohio Senator JD Vance, recently opened up about the personal struggles that shaped their family in an interview with the New York Times. Despite a troubled past marked by her battle with drug addiction, Aikins says their journey has brought them closer, and her faith in his leadership has only grown stronger.
At her regular Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Middletown, Ohio, Aikins allowed a New York Times reporter to attend on the condition that the identities of other group members remain confidential. Speaking to The Times, Aikins reflected on Vance’s moving tribute to her at the Republican National Convention, sharing why she “knows” he’s destined for the nation’s highest office. Vance’s ascent unexpectedly propelled his mom into the realm of national politics. This summer, he took her to the Republican National Convention and publicly acknowledged her sobriety.
Nine years ago, over a meal at a Waffle House, Vance revealed he had written a memoir, his book ‘Hillbilly Elegy.’ “He said, ‘Mom, I wrote a book, and there’s probably some things in it that aren’t very favorable,’”Aikins remembered. She responded, “Will it help you heal?” to which he replied, “I think it will.”
“It was heartbreaking in some parts,” but she also recognized its positive impact. “It helped us grow as a family, and it opened up a line of communication that we never really had. Addiction in our house was like the elephant in the room. Nobody ever said anything about it. We do now,” Vance’s mom explained.
In July, Republicans convened in Milwaukee to formally nominate former President Donald Trump and Vance for their presidential ticket. In his acceptance speech, Vance paid tribute to “single moms like mine, who struggled with money and addiction but never gave up.” He proudly announced, “I’m proud to say my mom is here, 10 years clean and sober. I love you, Mom.”
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Years ago, Vance believed Trump was exploiting the despair of a destabilized white working class, even describing him as cultural heroin. “I’m probably not the best person to answer that,” Aikins admitted. “But I do think that JD saw, when he was in office, that things for people in our area got better. I think that’s why he changed his mind.”
Aikins gave no concerns about the future. “I think that JD is probably the smartest, most amazing young man, and everything he touches turns to gold,” she confidently stated. She even predicted a bright political future for him. “JD will be president one day. You know how I know that?” she posed. “He used to watch all these political shows” during his childhood. “I would say, ‘Why do you watch that?’ He would say, ‘Mom, this is about our country. I need information.’ I would just think, ‘What a nerd.’”
One evening as a kid, Vance was eager to watch a debate but his stepbrothers wouldn’t surrender the remote as they were engrossed in a wrestling match. “So we went and got a motel room, so my baby could watch the debate on TV,” Aikins said with pride. Fast forward years later, and tonight at 9 p.m. ET, Vance will debate Democrat Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz (D-MN) on CBS News in New York.