Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Harold Ford Jr.

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2025

Discover the career path of Harold Ford Jr., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Harold Eugene Ford Jr. is an American financial managing director, pundit, author, and former U.S. Congressman. He represented Tennessee's 9th congressional district as a Democrat from 1997 to 2007. Part of the Ford political family of Memphis, he succeeded his father, Harold Ford Sr., in the House. In 2006, he unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate. He also served as the last chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

November 1999: Vote in favor of Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act

In November 1999, Harold Ford Jr. voted in favor of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, which repealed much of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933.

2000: Keynote Speaker at DNC

In 2000, Harold Ford Jr. served as the keynote speaker for the 2000 Democratic National Convention, where he supported then Vice President Al Gore for the Democratic nomination for President.

October 10, 2002: Vote to Authorize Invasion of Iraq

On October 10, 2002, Harold Ford Jr. was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.

April 6, 2005: Senate Run Confirmed

On April 6, 2005, during an interview on C-SPAN's Washington Journal, Harold Ford Jr. confirmed that he would be running for the United States Senate.

May 25, 2005: Senate Campaign Begins

On May 25, 2005, Harold Ford Jr. filed the necessary papers to officially begin his campaign for the United States Senate.

August 3, 2006: Won Democratic Primary

On August 3, 2006, Harold Ford Jr. overwhelmingly won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat. His supporters held a victory celebration at Nashville's LP Field, where former U.S. President Bill Clinton spoke.

December 2006: Considered Senate Run in 2008

In December 2006, Harold Ford Jr. told students that he might run again in 2008 for the Senate seat held by Republican Lamar Alexander.

January 25, 2007: DLC Chairman

On January 25, 2007, Harold Ford Jr. was named chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council.

March 2007: Joins Merrill Lynch and Fox News

In March 2007, Harold Ford Jr. joined the financial services firm Merrill Lynch as a vice chairman and senior policy advisor. In the same month, he was hired by Fox News Channel as a political contributor.

October 2007: Visiting Professor at UT Austin

In October 2007, Harold Ford Jr. was appointed as the inaugural Barbara Jordan Visiting Professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

March 2008: Moves to MSNBC

In March 2008, Harold Ford Jr. moved from Fox News to MSNBC as a news analyst, appearing on shows like David Gregory's Race for the White House, Hardball, and Morning Joe.

February 5, 2010: Gillibrand questions Ford's bonuses from Bank of America

On February 5, 2010, Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference questioning whether Harold Ford Jr., as an executive of Merrill Lynch, received taxpayer-backed bonuses from Bank of America, which stemmed from the federal bailout. New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio endorsed her candidacy at the conference.