The 9 Wealthiest Current US Politicians — But Are They Doing Their Job?

In the realm of politics, wealth can often be a double-edged sword. It can fund campaigns and philanthropic efforts but also raise questions about a politician’s ability to relate to the average citizen. GoBankingRates used various sources to find the net worth of these politicians, and past approval ratings of these individuals to speculate on how well they are doing their jobs. Here, we explore the nine wealthiest US politicians, their net worth, and how effectively they’re serving their constituents.

• Net Worth: $3.4 billion
• Position: Governor of Illinois
• Approval: Despite Illinoisans’ concerns about the state’s direction, Pritzker’s financial background and policies have yet to translate into widespread approval for a presidential run. According to Illinois Policy, “48% of voters said Pritzker’s been doing a good job. More voters strongly disapproved of Pritzker, 37%, than strongly approved, 25%.” This is a decent approval rating for such a wealthy governor, and a sign of doing a “fine” job in his position, but not enough to run for any higher position than that.

• Net Worth: $2 billion
• Position: Former President
• Approval: Trump’s presidency was marked by fluctuating approval ratings, with a high of 49% and a low of 34%. His tenure saw significant division and controversy. Though Trump is currently more applying for the job (the job of being The POTUS) than he is actually working a job, if he is reelected, we’d hope as Americans he sees a consistent higher approval rating to be confident that President Trump is really doing his job at such a high position and high net worth.

• Net Worth: $1.1 billion
• Position: Governor of North Dakota
• Approval: Burgum’s approval rating is just 38% among North Dakotans, suggesting his presidential campaign may had impacted his popularity at home. Though he may not be the most popular, his recent federal funding toward career academics shows the man is definitely doing his job, but time will tell if the people of North Dakota believe the high net worth governor is doing it well enough.

• Net Worth: $460 million
• Position: Representative for California’s 48th Congressional District
• Approval: Issa’s approval ratings and political stances have varied, with significant support for Donald Trump and controversial views on issues like drug policy and the environment. In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported that Rep. Darrell Issa — one of the most influential people in Washington, D.C. — was not just the richest politician in California, but also in the entire country. At that time his net worth was only $330 million, while it’s now $460 million. Issa is known as a far-right Republican, and likeminded individuals would say Issa is definitely doing his job. Though others may agree, they would also agree he might be doing his job too well, pushing for far-right leaning ideas on the more left leaning state of California.

• Net Worth: $450 million
• Position: Governor of West Virginia
• Approval: Justice remains in the top 10 most popular governors, with a 63% approval rating, indicating a modest improvement in favorability.

• Net Worth: $400 million
• Position: Governor of Colorado
• Approval: Polis is among the top-10 most popular governors in the country as well, with a 61% approval rating, reflecting his effective governance, and putting his money where his job is. He has served as Colorado’s governor since 2019, after running on platforms including full renewable energy, stock options for workers and improved access to preschool and kindergarten.

• Net Worth: $400 million
• Position: Governor of Virginia
• Approval: Youngkin’s approval rating was at 58% in December, despite legislative election defeats, indicating a relatively positive reception from Virginians.

• Net Worth: $300 million
• Position: Junior Senator for Utah
• Approval: Romney’s approval rating among Utah voters has remained steady, with nearly 50% approval. His willingness to criticize his party and fellow lawmakers has kept his approval ratings relatively stable.

• Net Worth: $300 million
• Position: Junior Senator from Florida
• Approval: Scott’s policies, particularly those affecting reproductive rights, have made him deeply unpopular among Florida voters. His favorability is fourteen points underwater, with a majority of voters believing it’s time for a change.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.