While Alex Soros may have once been known for his lavish lifestyle and party-filled youth, the 38-year-old son of billionaire philanthropist George Soros has since transformed into a powerful political player.
Recently, he hosted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at his upscale New York City home, marking the second time in a month that the two have met, with Soros and his fiancée, Huma Abedin, by his side.
This interaction raised eyebrows, especially given Walz’s reputation as a down-to-earth “regular guy,” who could potentially be the least wealthy person to ever run for vice president.
The Legacy of the Soros Family
Alex Soros took over the reins of his father’s $25 billion empire in 2023, vowing to carry on the family’s tradition of supporting progressive causes.
George Soros, renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, has donated over $42 billion worldwide through the Open Society Foundations.
Alex, however, has expressed that while he aligns with many of his father’s ideals, he intends to broaden their focus, supporting causes such as voting rights, abortion rights, and gender equality.
Though Alex’s political rise may come as a surprise, especially to those familiar with his younger, more flamboyant days in the Hamptons, his involvement in politics has been steadily growing.
He has moved away from the playboy image of his past and towards serious political discussions with influential figures like Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Joe Biden.
Political Power Couple: Soros and Abedin
Adding to his growing influence, Alex is now engaged to Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton’s longtime aide and former wife of disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner.
The two publicly debuted their relationship in early 2023, and in July, Alex proudly announced their engagement on social media.
With Abedin by his side, Soros seems more embedded in the political sphere than ever before.
Despite his transformation, Alex still draws some distinctions between his values and those of other progressives.
For instance, he has voiced concerns about the increasingly restricted nature of free speech on college campuses, a stance that sets him apart from many in his generation.
The Soros Influence on U.S. Politics
While it’s unclear how much financial support Alex has already provided to the Harris-Walz campaign, it is known that the Soros family plays a significant role in Democratic politics.
George Soros contributed over $700,000 to the Biden-Harris campaign in 2020 and millions more to other Democratic candidates and causes.
Through their nonprofit, the Open Society Foundations, the Soros family funnels around $1.5 billion annually to various human rights organizations and universities worldwide.
In the U.S., their influence extends through the Democracy PAC, which has supported the campaigns of progressive district attorneys who aim to reform the criminal justice system by reducing incarceration rates and addressing racial biases.
However, these reforms have sparked controversy, with critics blaming Soros-backed prosecutors for rising crime rates in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia.
A New Chapter in Soros Family History
Alex’s rise to prominence as the head of the Open Society Foundations came as a surprise to many.
His ascent to the leadership role saw him surpass his older, more serious brother Jonathan in a shift that some have compared to the plot of the TV series Succession.
Yet, George Soros has expressed confidence in Alex, stating that his son has “earned” his place as the new face of the family’s vast empire.
As Alex continues to navigate his new role, he has already left his mark on American politics.
His growing influence within Democratic circles, combined with his deep-rooted family connections, places him at the center of some of the most significant political movements of our time.
Though once labeled an “embarrassment” due to his party lifestyle, Alex Soros now stands poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the Democratic Party, with his sights set on countering the influence of figures like Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election.
The Future of Walz and Soros
Meanwhile, Tim Walz’s connection to the Soros family adds an intriguing layer to his vice-presidential candidacy.
Known for his modest financial background and everyman appeal, Walz contrasts sharply with the wealth and influence surrounding the Soros family.
Yet, his ties to Alex Soros could signal a new chapter in the Harris-Walz campaign, one backed by serious political and financial muscle.
As the 2024 election approaches, only time will tell how this partnership will unfold.