When French Gates was still a part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which she cofounded with her ex-husband Bill Gates, she generally avoided wading into partisan causes. She has given money to Republicans and Democrats alike, but determined that a second term with former President Donald Trump “would be dangerous” for reproductive rights in particular.
In fact, French-Gates, who focuses in large part on women’s and reproductive rights, referenced abortion when she endorsed Harris in a post on X. In May, she committed to spending $1 billion through 2026 to groups working for women, families, and reproductive rights.
French-Gates, who is worth nearly $11 billion, did not specify how much she had donated to the Harris-Walz campaign. But her support extends beyond a a direct financial contribution — French-Gates said that she has also offered to host events.
The vice president and French Gates have met on multiple occasions, even sitting together at a state dinner. French Gates described them as “like-minded on many issues.”
As mega donors continue to funnel money into the election, much has been made of Silicon Valley’s perceived rightward shift. French Gates, however, isn’t so sure that the Bay Area is actually going red.
“I’m not sure that’s right,” she said when asked about the shift to the right, adding that the Valley is “actually quite split Democrat and Republican.”