As the 2024 United States presidential election draws closer, a significant wave of support is emerging from an unexpected corner; the tech industry.
A growing coalition of tech billionaires and influential figures is rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of Silicon Valley.
This backing comes at a crucial time, as Harris’s campaign emphasizes innovation, equity, and a forward-thinking approach to technology policy.
In this article, WoK delves into the motivations behind their support and the potential impact on Harris’ campaign.
Mark Cuban
Cuban has emerged as a prominent supporter of Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, frequently praising her pro-business stance.
In interviews, he has described Harris as “pro-business” and highlighted her efforts to engage with the business community more effectively than President Biden’s administration.
Cuban communicates with her team three to four times a week, offering insights on fiscal policy and advocating for his potential appointment to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if she wins the election.
He has particularly endorsed Harris’s proposal to reduce the capital gains tax from nearly 40% to 28%, viewing it as a move towards centrist economic policies.
Additionally, Cuban is part of a coalition of over 90 business leaders endorsing Harris, emphasizing her capability to foster a stable business environment and support American industries.
Reid Hoffman
Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, contributed $7 million to the primary pro-Biden and Harris super PAC and is intensifying his commitment to the campaign.
He has expressing “great hope” that Harris will become the first female president of the United States.
Hoffman believes that if Harris secures victory in November, she should appoint a new antitrust overseer to succeed Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, whom he believes is “not benefiting America”.
However, this view has been criticized by progressive voices like Senator Bernie Sanders, who condemned “the arrogance of Hoffman” and stated that “billionaires shouldn’t dictate who candidates should retain or dismiss”.
He is part of a group of over 800 venture capitalists who have pledged to vote and solicit donations for Harris on the website VCsForKamala.org.
Vinod Khosla
Khosla, the founder of Khosla Ventures, has publicly endorsed Harris for the 2024 presidential election.
He called on all individuals who are “not MAGA” supporters to unite in support of Harris, emphasizing the need to reject Donald Trump’s candidacy and what he describes as the “dictatorship” that Trump represents.
Khosla’s statement on social media urged a collective effort from Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans to back Harris in order to safeguard democracy and uphold strong values.
Ron Conway
Conway, the founder of SV Angel, is among the notable supporters of Harris in her presidential campaign.
Recently, he joined a coalition of over 90 influential business leaders who publicly endorsed Harris, emphasizing her commitment to fostering a stable and prosperous business environment in the U.S..
In a letter highlighting their support, the endorsers, which include figures like Cuban and James Murdoch, stated that Harris’s election would ensure the continued strength and reliability of American democracy and its economy.
Katie Stanton
Stanton, the founder of Moxxie Ventures, has publicly expressed her support for Harris in the 2024 presidential race.
Following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Stanton quickly endorsed Harris, stating she was “fired up and ready to vote” and sharing a video of Harris on social media.
Stanton is part of a larger coalition of over 800 venture capitalists who have pledged their support for Harris, collectively managing significant assets and advocating for her pro-business policies.
She has emphasized that the majority of Silicon Valley does not align with the vocal support for Trump from some tech leaders, asserting that many founders and investors in the region back Harris instead.
Stephen Wozniak
Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, is among the notable tech leaders supporting Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign.
He is part of a collective known as VCs for Kamala, which consists of over 800 venture capitalists and tech executives advocating for Harris.
This group emphasizes a pro-business, pro-entrepreneurship stance while also supporting democratic values and strong institutions.
Wozniak’s endorsement comes amid a notable split in Silicon Valley, where some prominent figures, like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have aligned with Donald Trump.
Chris Sacca
Sacca, founder of Lowercase Capital, is among the notable supporters of Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign.
He has a history of opposing Donald Trump and actively participated in political fundraising and advocacy, including significant donations to organizations like the ACLU.
Sacca has previously supported Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
In recent months, Sacca joined VCsForKamala, pledging her support for Harris.
The coalition collectively manages around $276 billion in assets, reflecting a significant backing for Harris from influential figures in Silicon Valley.
Aileen Lee
Lee, founder of Cowboy Ventures, is among the numerous supporters of Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign.
She is also part of VCs for Kamala which was formed in response to the growing support for Donald Trump among some tech investors.
While Lee has not extensively commented on her support for Harris in public forums, her involvement with this coalition indicates her alignment with Harris’s policies and vision for the future.
Deven Parekh
Parekh, managing director at Insight Partners, is among the prominent business leaders supporting Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign.
His endorsement is part of a larger coalition of over 90 influential executives from various sectors, including technology, finance, and media, who recently signed a letter backing Harris.
This letter emphasizes her strong record in advancing policies that foster business investment and ensure American companies can compete globally.
Parekh’s involvement in Democratic fundraising efforts is notable; he was a key organizer during the 2018 midterms and has consistently supported Democratic initiatives.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Johnson has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, joining over 90 prominent business leaders in a letter of support.
The letter emphasizes that Harris’s election is crucial for maintaining the strength and reliability of American democracy and the economy.
It highlights her commitment to advancing fair policies that support business growth and stability.
Johnson, a legendary NBA player and successful businessman, has known Harris for over 20 years and has consistently supported her political journey from Attorney General to Senator and now Vice President.
His endorsement is part of a broader coalition of influential figures from various sectors who believe that Harris will foster a favorable business environment and promote the American dream for all.
