Melinda French Gates officially announced her endorsement of President Biden on Thursday, marking a significant shift for a woman who had previously stayed out of partisan politics. For years, she and her former husband, Bill Gates, had refrained from endorsing political candidates to maintain their ability to work with politicians from both parties on philanthropic endeavors.
However, the upcoming election’s potential impact on women and families led Ms. French Gates to break her silence. She expressed her support for President Biden in a statement on X, emphasizing the importance of this election for the well-being of communities. This endorsement is a departure from her past stance, as she had previously stated that she never endorsed presidential candidates.
Despite her neutrality in the past, Ms. French Gates has recently made significant donations to Democratic causes, including a substantial contribution to a super PAC supporting pro-choice female candidates. With her newfound independence following her separation from Mr. Gates and her resignation from the Gates Foundation, more political contributions from Ms. French Gates are expected in the future.
Further political donations are anticipated as Ms. French Gates gains control of her own financial resources post-separation. Her departure from the Gates Foundation, as outlined in their agreement, signals a new chapter for her philanthropic efforts and political engagements.
