Jon Huntsman Jr Net Worth

What is Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.'s Net Worth?

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. is an American businessman and politician who has a net worth of $950 million. That makes him one of the richest people in Utah.

Jon Huntsman Jr. is an American diplomat, businessman, and politician who has served in a wide array of high-profile roles, including Governor of Utah, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, China, and Russia, and a Republican presidential candidate. Known for his pragmatic conservatism and global perspective, Huntsman developed a reputation as a skilled diplomat capable of navigating complex relationships with some of the United States' most challenging foreign partners. His career has spanned politics, international diplomacy, business leadership, and philanthropy, making him one of the most versatile figures in American public life. Though his 2012 presidential campaign fell short, his service record and moderate style have made him a respected voice within both domestic and international circles.

Early Life and Education

Jon Meade Huntsman Jr. was born on March 26, 1960, in Palo Alto, California, the eldest son of Jon Huntsman Sr. and Karen Haight Huntsman. Raised in a large Mormon family, he grew up in Utah surrounded by entrepreneurial influence from his father, who founded Huntsman Corporation.

Huntsman Jr. attended the University of Utah before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in international politics in 1987. During his studies, he served a two-year mission in Taiwan for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an experience that gave him fluency in Mandarin Chinese and a deep understanding of Asian culture—skills that would later define his diplomatic career.

Early Career and Political Rise

Huntsman entered public service in the 1980s, working as a staff assistant in the Reagan White House and later serving in the administration of President George H. W. Bush. In 1992, at just 32 years old, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, becoming one of the youngest American ambassadors in history.

After his ambassadorship, Huntsman held senior positions in his family's business empire, gaining experience in the corporate world while remaining politically engaged. He later served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative under President George W. Bush, where he worked on key trade agreements and policies.

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Governor of Utah

In 2004, Huntsman was elected the 16th Governor of Utah. His tenure was marked by economic growth, tax reform, and a focus on education and healthcare modernization. Huntsman earned high approval ratings, often over 80 percent, and was praised for his pragmatic approach to governance. He positioned himself as a centrist Republican willing to embrace bipartisan solutions, which drew national attention and speculation about higher office.

During his governorship, Utah was frequently ranked as one of the best-managed states in the nation, and Huntsman's policies were credited with fostering both business growth and quality-of-life improvements.

Diplomatic Service

Huntsman resigned as governor in 2009 after being appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. His Mandarin fluency and prior experience in Asia made him a natural fit for the role. In Beijing, he navigated a relationship defined by cooperation and competition, balancing American concerns about trade, human rights, and regional security. His tenure won bipartisan respect, even as it underscored the complexity of managing U.S.–China relations.

In 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Huntsman as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, a post he held until 2019. His ambassadorship came during one of the most strained periods in U.S.–Russia relations since the Cold War. Huntsman emphasized the importance of clear, principled diplomacy, while also managing contentious issues like election interference and sanctions.

2012 Presidential Campaign

In 2011, Huntsman entered the Republican presidential primary, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to more conservative candidates. His campaign emphasized fiscal conservatism, foreign policy expertise, and civil political discourse. Despite initial media attention, he struggled to gain traction with Republican primary voters and withdrew after the New Hampshire primary, endorsing Mitt Romney.

Later Career and Personal Life

After leaving his diplomatic posts, Huntsman returned to private business and philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Huntsman Cancer Institute established by his family. He remains active in public policy discussions, often speaking on international relations, trade, and the role of civility in politics.

Huntsman is married to Mary Kaye Cooper, and together they have seven children, including two adopted daughters from China and India. One of his daughters, Abby Huntsman, became a well-known television journalist and co-host on "The View."

Legacy

Jon Huntsman Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most experienced diplomats of his generation, having represented the United States in two of its most sensitive postings. His blend of international expertise, bipartisan respect, and commitment to service reflect both his family heritage and personal ambition. Whether as governor, ambassador, or presidential candidate, Huntsman's career illustrates a lifelong commitment to public service and global engagement.

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