J.D. Vance releases first book since “Hillbilly Elegy,” describing his Catholic faith journey in “Communion”

Vice President J.D. Vance is set to publish “Communion,” his first book since “Hillbilly Elegy,” according to a report by The Washington Times on June 15, 2026. The book centers on Vance’s personal journey into Catholicism and presents it as a core element of his adult life.

The report characterizes Vance as a convert to Catholicism and says his faith has been central to his adult life, framing “Communion” as a detailed account of his path to Catholicism rather than a policy-focused work. The same report says the book may be read as an origin story that could later inform his public image and political messaging.

Vance has served in the White House since taking office as vice president. As an elected federal official, his public statements and published works can influence how voters interpret his priorities and values, while also raising questions about how personal religious belief intersects with the constitutional roles of government.

The Catholicism described in “Communion” is expected to be presented through Vance’s own life experiences, with the report indicating that his conversion and the role of Catholic faith in his day-to-day decisions are central themes. The report describes the project as being aimed at readers interested in biography and faith-based storytelling.

In the United States, officials are permitted to hold and practice religious beliefs, and the Constitution protects free exercise while also requiring the government to avoid establishing religion. In practice, the public record of how an officeholder talks about faith, and whether public action reflects religious doctrine or secular legal authority, becomes a standard area of scrutiny.

The Washington Times report also noted that “Communion” comes after “Hillbilly Elegy,” which was Vance’s earlier breakout book. While the earlier work focused on social conditions and personal history in the context of American economic life, the new project shifts toward religious conversion as the through-line, the report says.

Vance’s publisher, exact publication date, and any accompanying statements from the author were not included in the report summary provided for this story. The central next step for readers is to review the full text for its account of conversion and its broader discussion of how faith has shaped Vance’s worldview.