What Is Harold Ford Jr.’s Net Worth?
Harold Ford Jr., an American figure with a diverse career spanning finance, political commentary, and former congressional service, has an estimated net worth of $3 million [1]. This figure reflects his earnings and assets accumulated through his various professional endeavors [1].
Early Career and Political Service
Born on May 11, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee, Harold Ford Jr. began his journey within a family deeply rooted in the community [1]. His father, Harold Ford Sr., was a United States Congressman, setting the stage for Ford Jr.’s future involvement in politics [1]. He lived his early life intertwined with the family business, N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home [1]. His educational path began at Double Tree Elementary School, a Montessori school, before he transitioned to St. Albans School, a college preparatory institution in Washington, D.C. [1]. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BA in American history in 1992 [1]. Furthering his education, Ford Jr. obtained a JD from the University of Michigan Law School in 1996, though he did not take the Tennessee bar exam [1].
In 1996, Harold Ford Jr. embarked on his political career, running for his father’s seat in the United States House of Representatives representing Tennessee’s 9th congressional district [1]. He secured the Democratic primary and won the general election [1]. Ford Jr. was reelected four times, holding his seat until 2007 [1]. During his time in Congress, he served on the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Financial Services [1]. He was also a member of the Transformation Advisory Group, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Congressional Black Caucus [1]. He also unsuccessfully ran for House Democratic Leader [1]. In 2005, Ford announced his candidacy for the United States Senate as a Democrat from Tennessee but lost to Republican Bob Corker in the general election [1].
Financial Career and Television Appearances
After his time in Congress, Harold Ford Jr. transitioned into the financial services sector [1]. He joined Merrill Lynch as a vice chairman and senior policy advisor [1]. Subsequently, he served as a managing director at Morgan Stanley from 2011 to 2017 [1]. In late 2020, Ford became Vice Chairman of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PNC Financial Services [1].
Ford Jr. has also established himself as a television pundit, beginning in 2007 as a political contributor to the Fox News Channel [1]. The following year, he became a news analyst for MSNBC, appearing on shows like “Hardball” and “Morning Joe” [1]. He has also appeared on CNN and CNBC [1]. In 2022, he became a co-host of “The Five” on Fox News Channel [1].
In 2010, Ford published his book “More Davids Than Goliaths: A Political Education” [1]. In 2007, Ford was made a visiting professor of public policy at Vanderbilt University and a visiting professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin [1]. He later became a visiting professor at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service in 2010 [1]. In 2015, Ford was a visiting professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan [1].
Net Worth and Contributing Factors
Harold Ford Jr.’s $3 million net worth is primarily attributed to his career in finance [1]. As a managing director at Morgan Stanley between 2011 and 2017, he would have earned a substantial income [1]. Although specific salary figures for his role at Morgan Stanley are not publicly available, managing directors at major financial institutions typically earn significant compensation packages, including base salaries, bonuses, and stock options. This income would have contributed substantially to his overall net worth.
His role as Vice Chairman of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PNC Financial Services, which he assumed in late 2020, is another significant factor [1]. Similar to his position at Morgan Stanley, this role likely provides a high level of compensation, further contributing to his net worth. Details of his specific compensation package at PNC are not publicly available, but executive positions at this level typically come with substantial financial rewards.
Ford Jr.’s career as a television pundit has also likely contributed to his income [1]. As a political contributor to Fox News Channel, a news analyst for MSNBC, and a co-host of “The Five” on Fox News, he receives compensation for his appearances and commentary [1]. While the exact figures are not public, television personalities can earn significant amounts depending on their role and the network’s reach.
His service in the United States House of Representatives from 1997 to 2007 provided him with a steady income [1]. As a member of Congress, he received a salary, and he also accrued benefits such as retirement contributions [1]. While this income would have been less than what he earned in the financial sector, it still contributed to his overall financial standing.
The publication of his book, “More Davids Than Goliaths: A Political Education,” in 2010, would have provided him with royalties and other income [1]. While book royalties can vary significantly depending on sales and publisher agreements, they can contribute to an author’s overall income.
Considering these multiple income streams—executive positions in finance, television appearances, congressional service, and book royalties—it is reasonable to estimate Harold Ford Jr.’s net worth at $3 million [1].
Personal Life
Harold Ford Jr. married Emily Threlkeld in 2008, and together they have a daughter named Georgia and a son named Harold III [1]. Specific details about their assets, such as the location and value of their residence, are not publicly available. However, based on Ford Jr.’s estimated net worth and professional achievements, it is reasonable to assume that he lives in a comfortable home and has investments and savings to support his family’s lifestyle. Details of the assets he owns are not available.