Topline: Why it matters: If Harris is elected president, she’d be the most Hollywood-connected president since Ronald Reagan. What that would mean for the entertainment industry itself and its policy priorities is unclear, but when it comes to campaigning and donation dollars, Hollywood has been a veritable ATM for Democrats over the years. With the nomination of Harris, who has deep ties to the industry going back to her first major race more than two decades ago, those relationships could come in awfully handy.
How they’ve helped: During her first campaign for elected office in 2003, Harris ran to be the San Francisco district attorney. In a tight race, she pulled off the upset, thanks in part to the support of Chris Rock and Dana Walden, now the Disney Entertainment co-chairman. Years later, when she ran for California attorney general, she dazzled Hollywood crowds, who, in the wake of Barack Obama, were captured by a young, dynamic political figure.
Her connection to Hollywood continued to grow as her career progressed and she made a home in Los Angeles with her husband. When she first ran for president in 2019, out of the large Democratic primary field, Harris had the most donors from Hollywood. More personal connections: Walden, who supported Harris as far back as her district attorney days, is a close friend.
The two could often be found at popular dining spots in Brentwood with their husbands. Harris met her husband Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer himself, through her friend Chrisette Hudlin, who’s married to producer-director Reginald Hudlin. Additionally, many in Hollywood who have met the vice president, either at events or in more social settings, report that she’s incredibly warm and speak highly of their relationships with her.
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