Harold Ford Jr.

Representing Tennessee’s 9th District from 1997-2007, during his five terms in office former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. built a strong reputation as a bipartisan legislator willing to work across the aisle in the interest of his constituents. Taking over for his father Harold Ford, Sr., who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 22 years before retiring in 1996, Ford continued his father’s legacy as a civil servant devoted to expanding economic and educational opportunities for all Americans.

Upon entering office, Harold Ford Jr. quickly established himself as a leader and was chosen by his colleagues as freshman class president, providing him added influence as a spokesperson for the newly elected congressional members and as an intermediary with House leaders. The progression of Ford’s committee assignments reflected his resolve to play a significant role in the House, with Ford initially receiving assignments on the House committee’s for Education and Workforce and Government Reform and Oversight before moving on to accept seats on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Budget Committee. In 2000, Ford received widespread media attention when he delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.