The Man Holding Harris's Policy... Top Problem Solver Advisor Nelson [News Figures]

Brian Nelson Advisor... "Influential Close Associate" Evaluation
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury... Resigned for Harris's Candidacy
Similar Views with Harris... "Deep Bond"

Ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November, Brian Nelson, an aide close to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, is gaining attention. He is considered one of the most influential aides who can help Vice President Harris enter the White House by properly understanding her thoughts and based on that, preparing practical and gradual policies. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) described Nelson as "Vice President Harris's problem solver."

Brian Nelson, aide to Vice President Kamala Harris

Nelson, originally from California, met Vice President Harris at a party venue in 2010 and later worked as her aide. Under the Joe Biden administration, he joined the Treasury Department and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence until July. Although he did not directly assist Vice President Harris during his tenure as Deputy Assistant Secretary, he is reported to have played a key role behind the scenes in creating major projects.

The WSJ noted, "Vice President Harris has only been in U.S. politics for four years, so she lacks a long-experienced staff," and evaluated that "(Nelson, whom Harris trusts) could become an influential figure in shaping foreign policy agendas." However, since Vice President Harris needs policies that can quickly capture voters' attention while maintaining some distance from the Biden administration, Nelson inevitably faces deep challenges.

He is a pragmatic figure without a specific ideological color and has a cautious personality. Even while serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary, he expanded his interactions across the private sector, including finance, demonstrating sociability. Sources say he remains calm and composed in meetings, even when criticized, calmly conveying his points. Although Vice President Harris is close enough to send him birthday messages personally, he tends not to publicize this relationship widely.

Jill Havigh, who served as a special advisor to Harris when she was California’s Attorney General, described Nelson as "Harris's top problem solver," explaining, "He understands Harris's way of thinking well and adjusts accordingly, so I think he is a good partner." In fact, when Vice President Harris interviewed Nelson at a restaurant in Los Angeles (LA), she reportedly felt that their thoughts were similar after asking him several questions.

Their connection has also influenced recent policies announced by Vice President Harris. She pledged to invest $40 billion (approximately 54 trillion won) to build 3 million new homes over the next four years to address the U.S. housing crisis. Earlier, in 2011, shortly after the financial crisis, while serving as California’s Attorney General, Harris strongly pressured mortgage companies and secured a $20 billion mortgage settlement. She also created and passed state laws to protect the middle class facing foreclosure. Nelson reportedly played a key role in this process.

Travis LeBlanc, who served as Harris’s chief counsel when she was state Attorney General, said, "We built a bond in the trenches of the mortgage crisis." Nathan Barankin, who worked as chief of staff during Harris’s time as state Attorney General and senator, also introduced Nelson as "a figure who has been a constant presence in Harris’s world."

Given this situation, there are prospects that if Vice President Harris succeeds in entering the White House, Nelson could take a key position. Potential high-ranking roles mentioned include Chair of the White House National Economic Council (NEC), Treasury Secretary, or ambassador to major countries.