Harris's 'Close Friend' Billionaire Mrs. Jobs [News Figures]

Lauren Powell Jobs, Wife of Apple Founder Steve Jobs
Connected with Harris Since 2003... Supported with Millions of Dollars
Active in Political Lobbying... Interest in Holding Office if Administration Wins

A close friend who strongly supports Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign behind the scenes is gaining attention. She is Lauren Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple founder Steve Jobs and a billionaire leading women's fund investments in Silicon Valley.

Steve Jobs' wife and Silicon Valley female fund investment leader, billionaire Lauren Powell Jobs
[Photo by Getty Images Yonhap News]

On the 24th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that over the past 20 years, Mrs. Jobs has been one of Vice President Harris's most important friends, providing financial support and advice, greatly helping to expand her public recognition. Born in 1963, Mrs. Jobs is one year older than Vice President Harris. She married Steve Jobs in 1991 and, after her husband's death in 2011, has been active as a billionaire investor managing assets worth $11 billion (approximately 14.6 trillion KRW).

Their relationship dates back to 2003 when Vice President Harris ran for San Francisco federal district attorney. At that time, Mrs. Jobs donated $500 to Harris and attended the same event in March the following year as a member of a Bay Area women leaders' group. Sharing political philosophy and interests in arts and culture, the two built a close friendship, eventually traveling together and dining alone whenever they were in the same area.

Based on this friendship, Mrs. Jobs attended the wedding of Vice President Harris and her current husband, Doug Emhoff, in 2014. Mrs. Jobs came to congratulate at the event, which had only about 60 guests. She also appeared at Harris's Senate swearing-in ceremony in 2017. Vice President Harris has referred to her childhood friends and Mrs. Jobs as "my extended family." Harris also attended the wedding of Mrs. Jobs's son, Reed, this year.

The relationship between Vice President Harris and Mrs. Jobs has expanded beyond simple friendship to a partnership aimed at the presidency. After her husband's death, Mrs. Jobs engaged in political activities by making political donations and lobbying. She also built close ties with former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

Mrs. Jobs has been present throughout Vice President Harris's political journey. She appeared proudly at Harris's inauguration as San Francisco district attorney in 2011 and has hosted several fundraising events in Silicon Valley for the politician. In 2017, the first year of former President Donald Trump's term, she attended an event hosted by a NYT reporter and promoted then-Senator Harris, stating, "I will vote for her."

Mrs. Jobs is reported to have donated millions of dollars to organizations related to Vice President Harris's election campaign to date. When President Joe Biden was under pressure to withdraw his candidacy, Harris reportedly sought advice from Mrs. Jobs regarding this matter. Although she does not participate directly in campaign activities, she meets with other female leaders in Silicon Valley to voice support for Vice President Harris.

As Vice President Harris is expected to have a close contest with former President Trump, there is speculation that Mrs. Jobs might hold a public office in the administration if Harris assumes power. The NYT stated, "Some believe Mrs. Jobs may want to serve as Secretary of Education," and "She is also expected to exert influence by voicing her desires on issues such as strengthening climate change measures."