David Axelrod’s Net Worth in 2024: $20 Million Fortune and CNN Salary Breakdown
David Axelrod is a name that resonates in American politics. He helped Barack Obama become President. Axelrod started as a newspaper writer and became one of the most influential political advisors in the United States.
His story has ups and downs, hard work, and big wins. Let’s dive into the life of this political genius who changed the game of American elections.
Who is David Axelrod?
David Axelrod was born in New York City on February 22, 1955. He grew up in a Jewish family that cared much about politics and helping others.
As a kid, Axelrod was already interested in politics. At just 13 years old, he sold campaign buttons for Robert F. Kennedy!
Axelrod attended the University of Chicago, where he studied political science. He loved writing about politics and got a job at the Chicago Tribune right after college. He was good at his job and became the youngest political writer at the paper.
But Axelrod wanted to do more than write about politics. He wanted to be part of it. So, in 1984, he left the newspaper to work on Paul Simon’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. This was the start of his extensive career in political campaigns.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | David Axelrod |
| Birth Date | February 22, 1955 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Family | Jewish |
| Spouse | Susan Landau (married in 1979) |
| Children | Three |
| Daughter’s Health Issue | Lauren (epilepsy) |
Personal Life and Relationships
Axelrod met his wife, Susan Landau, while they were both students at the University of Chicago. They got married in 1979 and have been together ever since. They have three children together.
Family life hasn’t always been easy for the Axelrods. Their oldest daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just a baby. This was tough for the family, but it also made Axelrod fight harder for everyone to have better healthcare.
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Axelrod’s childhood had some hard times, too. His parents split up when he was eight years old. Sadly, his dad, who had depression, died by suicide when Axelrod was 19. These challenging experiences shaped Axelrod’s views and made him want to help others even more.
Professional Career
Axelrod’s career in politics took off in the 1980s. After working for Paul Simon, he started his political consulting firm in 1985. He worked on many campaigns, especially helping black candidates win elections in big cities.
Some of his big wins include:
- Helping Harold Washington become Chicago’s first black mayor in 1987
- Working on Deval Patrick’s campaign to become governor of Massachusetts in 2006
- Being the chief strategist for Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012
The Obama campaigns were Axelrod’s most significant achievements. He came up with the idea of “change” that helped Obama win. He also used the internet in new ways to get young people excited about voting.
After Obama won, Axelrod became a Senior Advisor to the President. He worked in the White House from 2009 to 2011, helping shape Obama’s policies and messages.
| Year | Event/Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Worked on Paul Simon’s Senate Campaign | Left journalism to join politics |
| 1985 | Founded Axelrod & Associates | Political consulting firm |
| 1987 | Harold Washington’s Campaign | Helped Washington become Chicago’s first black mayor |
| 2006 | Deval Patrick’s Campaign | Worked on Massachusetts governor’s campaign |
| 2008-2012 | Chief Strategist for Barack Obama | Key strategist for Obama’s presidential campaigns |
| 2009-2011 | Senior Advisor to President Obama | Worked in the White House |
| 2015 | Sold Chicago Home | Sold for $2.5 million |
Age and Physique
David Axelrod is 69 years old (as of 2024). He’s been known for his distinctive mustache, which has been a trademark look for years.
Axelrod isn’t particularly tall or short and has an average build. He often wears glasses and dresses in professional attire, usually favoring suits when appearing on T.V. or at political events.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures can be hard to pin down, David Axelrod’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million. This comes from his long career in politics, consulting, and media.
When Axelrod worked in the White House, his yearly salary was about $172,000. But he’s made most of his money from consulting work and book deals. His memoir, “Believer: My Forty Years in Politics,” was a bestseller.
Axelrod also makes money from speaking engagements and his work as a political commentator on CNN. While we don’t know his salary from CNN, top political analysts can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 million |
| White House Salary | Approximately $172,000 per year |
| Income Sources | Consulting, book deals, CNN appearances |
Company Details and Investments
In 1985, Axelrod started a political consulting firm called Axelrod & Associates. This later became AKPD Message and Media. The company has worked on campaigns for many Democratic candidates over the years.
This is a huge factor in what promises to be a fight to the finish. https://t.co/jd8Qv50HxO
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) August 31, 2024
Axelrod also co-founded ASK Public Strategies, now called ASGK Public Strategies. This company helps businesses and non-profits with communication strategies.
Regarding real estate, Axelrod and his wife have owned several properties over the years. They sold their Chicago home for $2.5 million in 2015 when they moved to New York City.
Investments and Funding
Axelrod isn’t known for being a significant investor in the stock market or startups. Most of his money comes from his political work and media appearances. However, he has been involved in fundraising for causes he cares about.
One of the biggest causes Axelrod supports is epilepsy research. He and his wife helped start Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), which has raised millions of dollars for epilepsy research.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
David Axelrod is active on social media, especially Twitter. You can follow him at @davidaxelrod. He often tweets about politics and current events.
For professional inquiries, Axelrod can be reached through the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, where he serves as a director. The institute’s website is politics.uchicago.edu.
Axelrod also hosts a podcast called “The Axe Files,” where he interviews politicians and other public figures. You can find it on most podcast platforms.
| Platform | Handle/Details |
|---|---|
| @davidaxelrod | |
| Professional Contact | University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics |
| Podcast | “The Axe Files” is available on most podcast platforms |
Conclusion
David Axelrod’s journey from a young political junkie to one of America’s top political strategists is pretty amazing. He’s faced personal challenges and professional setbacks but always bounced back. His work on Obama’s campaigns changed how political campaigns are run, especially using the internet and social media.
Today, Axelrod continues to shape political discussions through his work at the University of Chicago, his podcast, and his appearances on CNN. He’s a great example of how passion and hard work can lead to a successful political career, even if you’re not the one running for office.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, there’s no denying that David Axelrod has left a significant mark on American political history. His story shows that with smarts, determination, and a bit of political savvy, you can go from selling campaign buttons to helping elect a president.
