Early Life and Education of Harold Ford Jr.: A Complete Timeline

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

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Harold Ford Jr.. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

May 11, 1970: Harold Ford Jr. Born

On May 11, 1970, Harold Eugene Ford Jr. was born. He later became a financial managing director, pundit, author, and former U.S. Congressman.

Others born on this day/year

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 voted in favor of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act, which repealed much of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933.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.

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.

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.