In January 2017, after Joe Biden swore in Kamala Harris as a U.S. senator, they posed for a traditional photo with Harris’s family. Harris, however, wasn’t done yet. She asked Biden if they could take another picture, but this time with her “extended family” — a dozen more friends and loved ones.
One of the people who came forward was Laurene Powell Jobs, one of the richest women in the world, with a fortune of over $11 billion. She stood just behind Biden’s shoulder in the picture, alongside Harris’s best friend from kindergarten and others close to her. As the photo session ended, Biden took a quick moment to chat with Powell Jobs, talking about his hopes for cancer research and even asking about her son.
It turns out that Laurene Powell Jobs is much more than just a guest in Kamala Harris’s life. Over the years, Powell Jobs has become one of Harris’s closest friends and confidantes. Not only has she offered emotional support, but she’s also contributed millions of dollars to support Harris’s political career. And in the current race for president, Powell Jobs has emerged as a powerful behind-the-scenes player.
A Powerful Friendship
Laurene Powell Jobs, who was once married to Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, has a special bond with Kamala Harris. Their friendship has grown over the past 20 years, starting in the early 2000s when Powell Jobs donated $500 to Harris’s first campaign for district attorney in San Francisco. Since then, they’ve attended each other’s family events and stayed connected despite their busy lives. Powell Jobs even attended Harris’s wedding, and in return, Harris was a guest at the wedding of Powell Jobs’s son in Hawaii. They’ve shared meals at fancy restaurants and even taken private trips together.
This bond isn’t just about social gatherings; Powell Jobs has been instrumental in supporting Harris politically. She’s hosted fundraisers and even helped clear the way for Harris to become a top contender for president by quietly mobilizing her network to move Joe Biden out of the race.
Powell Jobs’s Role in Harris’s Presidential Bid
As one of the wealthiest women in Silicon Valley, Laurene Powell Jobs isn’t just a financial supporter — she’s someone Harris can lean on for advice and guidance. Powell Jobs has donated millions of dollars to organizations backing Harris and used her influence to help Harris get more attention in the political world. Although Powell Jobs prefers to stay out of the limelight, her friendship with Harris has played a crucial role in Harris’s rise to national prominence.
Powell Jobs, or “L.P.J.” as her staff refers to her, is known for her loyalty to friends. She’s cultivated a strong network of influential figures and has a deep connection with Harris, built on shared values, including their love for art and culture and their experiences as women in the public eye.
In the presidential race, Powell Jobs has already helped Harris by hosting events, making contributions, and connecting Harris with other influential figures in Silicon Valley and beyond. Now, as Harris campaigns for the highest office, Powell Jobs is quietly working behind the scenes, shaping Harris’s image and helping to keep her campaign moving forward.
A Seat at the Table
Powell Jobs’s influence doesn’t stop at supporting Harris’s campaign. Many believe that if Harris were to become president, Powell Jobs could have a significant role in her administration. She’s passionate about education, climate change, and other major issues, and there’s speculation that she could even be offered a formal role, such as Secretary of Education.
Though Powell Jobs is usually private and avoids public roles, she has admitted that she wouldn’t rule out taking on a government position if the opportunity arose. Her dedication to public service has grown since the death of her husband, Steve Jobs, and she’s become increasingly involved in politics and philanthropy.
Friends in High Places
Over the years, Powell Jobs has become a key figure in Democratic circles, developing relationships with powerful politicians, including Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and even Republicans like former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. She’s hosted high-profile fundraisers and events for major political figures, making her a central player in American politics.
As Harris continues her bid for the presidency, Powell Jobs is likely to remain a crucial figure in her life, both as a friend and a supporter. Whether she continues to operate from behind the scenes or steps into a more formal role, one thing is clear: Laurene Powell Jobs will play a significant part in shaping the future of Kamala Harris’s career — and perhaps the future of the country as well.
This is the intriguing story of how one of the world’s wealthiest women has become one of Kamala Harris’s most trusted allies, helping her rise through the political ranks and potentially to the highest office in the land. Powell Jobs may be quiet and reserved, but her impact on Harris’s career — and American politics — is undeniable.
