Harold Ford Jr.: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Harold Ford Jr. is a prominent American attorney, political figure, and former congressman. He has played an influential role in U.S. politics, particularly during his tenure as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District. His career has spanned both the realms of public service and private law practice.
- Age: 54 Years
- Date of Birth: May 11, 1970
- Birth Place: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Weight: 200 lbs (90 kg)
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Net Worth: between $1 million to $5 million
Early Life and Education
Harold Ford Jr. was born on May 11, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a family that has long been entrenched in the world of politics. His father, Harold Ford Sr., served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District from 1975 to 1997. His mother, Dorothy Bowles Ford, was an educator and a philanthropist. Ford Jr. grew up in an environment that fostered political ambition and public service.Ford Jr.’s educational journey began in Memphis, where he attended St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., a prestigious private school that helped shape his intellectual curiosity. After graduating from St. Albans, he went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania. Ford graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in American History from the university, further cementing his academic foundation.His passion for law led him to attend Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD). It was during his time at Harvard that Ford Jr. honed his legal and political skills, preparing him for a career that would span both law and public service.
Political Career
Ford Jr.’s political career began in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, following his father’s decision not to seek re-election after serving for over two decades. He ran for his father’s seat, representing the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee, and won with a commanding victory. Ford Jr. would go on to serve in the House for six terms, from 1997 to 2007.During his time in Congress, Ford Jr. was known for his moderate stance on several issues, which made him a popular figure among both Democrats and Republicans. His legislative focus included economic development, healthcare reform, education, and advocating for policies that benefited the working class. Ford Jr. was a strong proponent of economic policies that would benefit his constituents in Memphis, an area that faced significant challenges related to poverty and unemployment.He was also involved in the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), which positioned him as part of a new generation of centrist Democrats, bridging the divide between the party’s progressive wing and more conservative elements. Ford Jr. gained national recognition in 2006 when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Tennessee.
Senate Campaign and Political Evolution
In 2006, Ford Jr. made a high-profile bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Bill Frist, a Republican. His campaign was considered one of the most competitive Senate races in the country, as he sought to unseat a well-established Republican incumbent in a deeply red state. Ford Jr.’s candidacy attracted significant attention, and he was backed by high-profile figures in the Democratic Party, including former President Bill Clinton and New York Senator Hillary Clinton.While Ford Jr. ran a vigorous campaign, it ultimately fell short, as he was defeated by his Republican opponent, Bob Corker, in a very tight race. The loss marked a turning point in Ford Jr.’s political career. Despite the defeat, he remained an influential voice in the Democratic Party, continuing to advocate for progressive issues and offering his expertise on matters of policy and governance.After his Senate loss, Ford Jr. largely shifted away from electoral politics, focusing on his legal career and working as a political commentator. However, his name has continued to circulate in political circles, and many political observers believe that Ford Jr. could make another run for office in the future.
Legal Career
After leaving Congress in 2007, Ford Jr. shifted his focus to private practice, where he made a name for himself as a highly successful attorney. He joined the **Washington, D.C., office of the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, one of the top law firms in the country. Ford Jr. built a strong reputation in the field of corporate law, advising clients on a variety of complex legal issues.In addition to his corporate law practice, Ford Jr. has frequently appeared as a political commentator and analyst on various television networks, including CNN and MSNBC. He has become a recognizable figure in political discourse, offering insights into both national and international matters.Ford Jr.’s ability to blend his legal expertise with his deep understanding of political dynamics has made him an influential figure in Washington. His transition from public office to private practice has also allowed him to broaden his influence, and he continues to be a voice in national policy discussions.
Personal Life and Family
Family has always been a central theme in Harold Ford Jr.’s life. As mentioned earlier, his father, Harold Ford Sr., was a longtime U.S. congressman. Ford Jr. is also the grandson of Harold Ford Sr.’s mother, Lucy Ford, who was an influential figure in the Memphis community. His family’s long history of political involvement provided Ford Jr. with a unique perspective on the world of public service from an early age.Ford Jr.’s younger brother, John Ford, was a Tennessee state senator and also had a political career, though his time in office was marred by legal issues and controversy. Despite these challenges within his family, Harold Ford Jr. has remained committed to public service and upholding the values that were instilled in him during his upbringing.Ford Jr. is married to Emily Threlkeld, a former public relations executive. The couple has children together, and they reside in New York City. Ford Jr.’s personal life is relatively private, but his family remains a source of support and inspiration.
Net Worth
Harold Ford Jr.’s net worth has been a subject of interest, especially given his transition from public service to private law practice. As of 2025, Ford Jr.’s estimated net worth is $4 million. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his legal career, where he has represented numerous high-profile clients in corporate law and has been associated with one of the most prestigious law firms in the country, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.In addition to his legal practice, Ford Jr. has been involved in various speaking engagements, consultancy roles, and media appearances. These ventures have also contributed to his net worth, with his status as a political commentator and analyst making him a sought-after voice in national conversations.While Ford Jr. no longer holds an elected position, his continued work in law, media, and consulting ensures that he maintains a significant presence in American public life.
Conclusion
Harold Ford Jr. has had a multifaceted career that spans law, politics, and media. His journey from a congressman to a prominent attorney and political commentator demonstrates his adaptability and intellect. Despite his political setbacks, including his failed Senate bid, Ford Jr. has remained influential in the spheres of public service and law. With a net worth of $4 million and a promising career ahead, Ford Jr.’s legacy continues to evolve.Through his dedication to both his family and his professional endeavors, Harold Ford Jr. exemplifies the potential for individuals in public life to transition into diverse and impactful roles. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and a commitment to serving the public good, whether through elected office or private practice.
