Melinda French Gates arrives at the Elysée Palace for the Generation Equality Forum hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on July 1, 2021 in Paris, France.
Aurelien Meunier | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Melinda French Gates, philanthropist, ex-wife Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates announced Thursday that she will vote for President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election, writing in an op-ed that “the stakes for women and families couldn’t be higher.”
“I have never supported a presidential candidate before. My work on gender equality and global health often requires me to work with leaders of both parties, so I have avoided talking publicly about who I voted for in past elections.” France Gate wrote in the column Published by CNN.
“But this year is different,” she wrote. “After (former President Donald) Trump’s first term endangered women’s health, compromised their safety, and denied their basic freedoms, I’m supporting Biden in this election and asking others to do the same.”
In explaining her support, Gates focused on both candidates’ records on women’s issues — the subject of much of Gates’ philanthropic work.
“While Trump brags about taking back women’s rights, Biden understands that the future of our country depends on them. That’s why Biden has earned my vote. I urge anyone who cares about women and families to join me.”
A spokesman for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
French Gates announced in May that she was stepping down as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, nearly three years after she and her ex-husband announced their separation. June 7 was her last day at the foundation.
French Gates left the foundation with a $12.5 billion grant under the terms of the Gateses’ divorce settlement. According to Bloomberg, her net worth is estimated to be over $13 billion.
French Gates did not disclose in her endorsement Thursday whether she planned to donate to Biden’s campaign.
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