Net Worth Ranker
What Is Harold Ford Jr.’s Net Worth
Harold Ford Jr., a prominent figure in American finance, politics, and media, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. This valuation reflects his diverse career, encompassing roles as a financial managing director, television political pundit, and former United States congressman. His professional journey includes significant tenures at major financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley and PNC Financial Services, alongside his earlier service in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Early Life and Education Details
Born on May 11, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee, Harold Ford Jr. is the eldest son of Dorothy and Harold Ford Sr., a politician who later served as a U.S. Congressman. He grew up with two brothers, Jake and Isaac, and two half-siblings, Andrew and Ava, from his father’s second marriage. Ford’s early life was intertwined with the family business, N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home. He began his education at Double Tree Elementary School, a Montessori school, before attending St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., a college preparatory institution. In 1992, Ford earned his BA in American history from the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he pursued a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1996. Despite his law degree, Ford never passed the Tennessee bar exam.
Congressional Career (1997-2007)
Harold Ford Jr.’s political career began in 1996 when his father, Harold Ford Sr., decided not to seek a 12th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Harold Jr. entered the race for his father’s seat, representing Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. He quickly became the frontrunner and won the Democratic primary and the general election. From 1997 to 2007, Ford served in the House of Representatives, being reelected four times. During his tenure, he was a member of the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Financial Services. He also participated in the Transformation Advisory Group, the New Democrat Coalition, and the Congressional Black Caucus. Ford unsuccessfully ran for House Democratic Leader during this time. He opposed George W. Bush’s energy proposals while supporting progressive causes such as universal health care and adoption rights for same-sex couples.
U.S. Senate Campaign (2005-2006)
In 2005, Harold Ford Jr. announced his candidacy for the United States Senate as a Democrat representing Tennessee. He secured the Democratic primary nomination in 2006. However, in the general election, he was narrowly defeated by Republican Bob Corker. This Senate race was one of the closest in Tennessee’s history. While specific financial details regarding campaign funding and expenditures are subject to campaign finance reporting regulations, the available public records accessible via the Federal Election Commission (FEC) detail the contributions and expenses associated with this Senate bid.
Financial Services Career: Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and PNC
After leaving Congress and his unsuccessful Senate campaign, Harold Ford Jr. transitioned to the financial services industry. He joined Merrill Lynch as a vice chairman and senior policy adviser. His responsibilities at Merrill Lynch likely involved advising on policy matters and engaging with clients. From 2011 to 2017, Ford worked as a managing director at Morgan Stanley. Later, in late 2020, Ford became the Vice Chairman of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PNC Financial Services. While specific details of his compensation at these firms are not publicly available, managing directors at major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and PNC Financial Services typically receive a base salary plus bonuses and stock options, contributing to their overall net worth.
Television Punditry and Media Appearances
Harold Ford Jr. began his career as a television pundit in 2007, initially joining Fox News Channel as a political contributor. By 2008, he became a news analyst for MSNBC, participating as a panelist on shows like “Hardball” and “Morning Joe.” He has also made appearances on CNN and CNBC. In 2022, Ford became a co-host of “The Five” on Fox News Channel. While the exact figures for his punditry income are not publicly disclosed, television analysts at major networks can earn significant fees per appearance or through regular contracts, adding to their income and overall net worth.
Academic Roles: Vanderbilt, UT Austin, and NYU
In addition to his roles in politics and finance, Harold Ford Jr. has held several academic positions. In 2007, he was appointed as a visiting professor of public policy at Vanderbilt University and also served as a visiting professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2010, he became a visiting professor at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Ford was a visiting professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan in 2015. The salary for visiting professors can vary based on the institution and the duration of the appointment, but such positions typically provide additional income, contributing to an individual’s financial profile.
Published Work: “More Davids Than Goliaths”
In 2010, Harold Ford Jr. authored “More Davids Than Goliaths: A Political Education,” reflecting on his political career and views on leadership in U.S. government. While the specific royalties and sales figures for the book are not publicly available, publishing a book can contribute to an author’s income through royalties and speaking engagements related to the book’s themes.
Personal Life and Family
Harold Ford Jr. married Emily Threlkeld in 2008. Together, they have a daughter named Georgia and a son named Harold III. While details of their personal assets, such as residences or other investments, are not publicly detailed, they contribute to the overall context of Harold Ford Jr.’s financial position.
