Who is Shannon Watts, the NYT bestseller who has predicted JD Vance's divorce?

Shannon Watts is one of those people whose public persona suddenly jumps into the spotlight even if you’ve never heard of them before and once you dig, you find a pretty full chapter and verse. Born in 1971 in Rochester, New York, she graduated from the University of Missouri. Early in her career she worked in communications for the Missouri House and for former governor Mel Carnahan.


Watts' recent post on X about JD Vance has generated huge public interest and disagreements too. "Vance announces divorce, marries Charlie Kirk’s widow by the end of 2026," she posted. Her post has received over 9 million views.



Watt's post is a reply to a post with two images of Vance and Charlie Kirk's widow and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk . "The hand on his head though.... Embarrassing for JD's wife," the photos, where Kirk is seen cosying up with Vance, have been captioned.

Vance announces divorce, marries Charlie Kirk’s widow by the end of 2026. https://t.co/waBOG8EYXi

— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 30, 2025

The divorce chatter kicked up right after. Vance made headlines at a TPUSA event, saying he “hoped” his wife, Usha, would eventually convert to Christianity. That comment definitely raised some eyebrows, especially since people are already speculating that Vance might run for president in 2028 as the next big MAGA hopeful. Some folks online think Usha’s Hindu faith could become a sticking point if he does step into the national spotlight. However, Vance cleared later that Usha had no plans to convert.


Shannon Watts is a powerhouse activist and the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America , one of the biggest grassroots movements pushing for stronger gun safety laws in the U.S. She started the group in 2012, right after the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting, when she was just a mom furious and heartbroken about the lack of change. What began as a simple Facebook post quickly exploded into a national movement with chapters in every state.


Before becoming a full-time activist, Shannon worked in corporate communications for big companies like Monsanto and General Electric, but she completely shifted gears to focus on activism and advocacy. She’s known for her fearless, straight-talking style and for holding politicians and the gun lobby accountable.


Watts has also written a book, “Fight Like a Mother,” which dives into her journey from stay-at-home mom to national advocate. Beyond the movement, she’s a huge believer in the power of women, especially moms, to drive social and political change. Whether she’s rallying people online, speaking on national TV, or organizing protests, Shannon Watts has become one of the most recognizable and relentless voices in the fight for gun reform .