Melinda French Gates, former spouse of Bill Gates, offered her first endorsement of a presidential campaign this election cycle. Melinda Gates endorsed Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris on Twitter in a July 23 post, citing the importance of advocating for abortion, caregivers and women’s rights.
“There is so much riding on the election in November,” Gates wrote. “We need a leader who will stand up for reproductive freedom. A leader who understands that supporting caregivers lead to healthier families and a stronger economy. A leader who knows that when women have their full power in society, we all thrive.”
Harris, Gates said, is that leader. Gates had previously endorsed Joe Biden before he ended his re-election bid.
“She has an inspiring vision or America–and she has the experience to make it a reality,” Gates wrote. “I am proud to support Vice President Harris. During her years in the White House, she has proven that she knows how to lead through crises while pushing for the change we need. I want her fighting for our country for the next four years.”
Previously Gates didn’t offer political endorsements because she wanted to work with politicians across the aisle. However, according to a report, in the post-Dobbs era, “she now feels compelled to support reproductive rights here at home.”
Gates made clear she is “absolutely not” voting for Donald J. Trump. According to Gates, Trump’s first term in office “endangered the health of women” and robbed them of “essential freedoms.”
Gates is a frequent donor — mostly to Democrat politicians. But she has also donated to Iowa Republicans this cycle.
Gates donated $3,300 to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks on June 18, 2024. She has historically contributed to Sen. Joni Ernst’s “Jobs, Opportunity and New Ideas PAC.”
According to filings, Gates gave JONI PAC $5,000 on June 20, 2024. She also contributed $5,000 to JONI PAC on Nov. 14, 2023…$5,000 to JOIN PAC on Mary 3, 2022…$5,000 to JONI PAC on July 12, 2021…$5,000 to JONI PAC on Sept. 21, 2020…and $5,000 to JONI PAC on Oct. 18, 2018.
Gates also donated $3,300 to Harris for President on July 29, 2024.
