Dana Walden: A Key Player in Kamala Harris's Political Rise

Disney co-chair and television chief Dana Walden has been identified as a significant figure in Vice President Kamala Harris's ascent to the position of de facto Democratic nominee, according to a recent report by Puck. The report highlights the long-standing relationship between Walden, her husband Matt, and Harris, tracing their connections back to Harris's early political career in California. Puck's Matt Belloni noted that the Waldens have hosted multiple fundraisers for Harris, including a notable event in 2022 at their Brentwood home. The Waldens' involvement with Harris dates back to her initial campaign for San Francisco District Attorney in 2003. Notably, Harris credited the Waldens with introducing her to her husband, Doug Emhoff, through mutual friends. Walden's role at Disney is significant, as she oversees a vast portfolio of entertainment media and content businesses, including the company's streaming services. This positions her uniquely within the entertainment community, which has strong ties to Harris. The report also mentions Bob Iger's continued leadership at Disney until 2026 and highlights the influence of former Disney Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg, a prominent fundraiser for the Democratic Party. As Harris prepares for her campaign, the challenges she faces are compounded by her identity as a woman of color, making her journey particularly noteworthy in the current political landscape. Disney has not commented on the report.