Estimate Net Worth: $-72,500
Based on both his net worth and the fact that he was one of the first 2015 candidates to throw in the towel, it's safe to empathetically say, "Poor Scott Walker." While many Republicans try to relate to the common American, Walker can empathize with middle-class America more than any of his former GOP rivals. As of 2014, the Wisconsin governor carries a heap of credit card debt: he carries up to $50,000 on a Sears credit card, up to $15,000 on a Bank of America credit card, and hundreds of thousands of student loan debt for his college-aged sons. As governor, Walker earns $222,899. He was also paid a $45,000 advance for his upcoming book.
Estimate net worth: $256,000
Martin O’Malley’s estimate net worth has been brought down by the $339,000 of student loan debt he’s shouldered for two of his children. Together with his wife, the former Maryland governor declared an income of $330,000 in 2014. His other sources of income include a total of $290,000 from speaking at various events, a pension from his time as mayor of Baltimore, and a visiting professor salary from John Hopkins. O‘Malley and his wife own four bank accounts that are worth anywhere between $18,000 and $95,000.
Estimate Net Worth: $330,507
We don’t have a precise number for Senator Sanders, but we estimate that he’s worth somewhere around $330,507. With an estimate net worth roughly 50 times smaller than Hilary Clinton’s, Bernie Sanders is among the “poorest” candidate currently in the presidential race. Also the oldest candidate, Sanders was paid $39,281 in Social Security benefits and a mayoral pension of $4,982. Although this left-leaning candidate is technically among America’s top 5% of income earners (thanks to the $174,000 annual congressional salary), his wealth pales in comparison to his congressional peers: the median estimate net worth of our Congress is $1 million.
Estimate Net Worth: $443,500
Florida senator Marco Rubio isn’t ashamed of his humble upbringing, often speaking about how hard his father and mother worked as a bartender and a maid, respectively. Today, Rubio earns $174,000 a year as a senator, $22,115 as a professor at Florida International University, and up to $15,000 from a rental property. His actual estimate net worth has fluctuated a lot over the last few years; he’s admitted to having poor bookkeeping and accounting skills in the past. Rubio also cashed out a retirement fund worth $68,000 and lost $24,000 in early penalties and fees. He also had to sell one of his homes at a loss and splurged on an expensive car and boat.
Estimate Net Worth: $5 million
While running for president in 2008, Mike Huckabee declared a net worth of no more than $700,000. The former Arkansas governor’s wealth has grown since then, now sitting at a modest (compared to his peers) $5 million. Huckabee earns $650,000 a year, owns a $3 million home in Florida, and owns a mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas that he’s listed for sale.
Estimate Net Worth: $10 million
Dr. Ben Carson is known as an astounding neurosurgeon, not a politician. However, the retired surgeon has climbed in popularity among Republicans who are tired of candidates entangled in the politics game. Carson’s $10 million estimate net worth can be traced to book royalties and earnings from his new gigs: board member of Costo Wholesale Corp and Kellogg Co., and contributor to Fox News and the Washington Times.
Estimate Net Worth: $22 million
When former Florida governor Jeb Bush left office, his estimated net worth was $1.3 million. Since then, he’s gained millions from several sources. Between paid public speaking events, serving as an advisor to Lehman Brothers and as director of Tenet Healthcare, Bush’s wealth blossomed. According to his recently released tax returns, the Republican candidate’s net worth is estimated to be between $19 and $22 million.
Estimate Net Worth: $30 million
According to her financial disclosure forms, Hill and Bill combined for $30 million. The former secretary of state has been criticized for a lack of financial transparency and her affiliation with big financial institutions. In 2014, Clinton earned an estimate of $5 million in sales and tour revenue for her book Hard Choices. A huge chunk of her and her husband’s earnings come from public speaking; Clinton was paid $100,000 for giving a speech via satellite. How much does it cost to hire Hillary to speak live? Qualcomm paid her $335,000 to speak in San Diego—earning more for one event than competitor Bernie Sanders earned all year.
Estimate Net Worth: $59 million
Carly and Frank Fiorina have a combined net worth of $59 million. The former CEO of HP released her 2012 and 2013 tax returns, revealing an annual income just under $2 million. Like the other candidates on our list, Fiorina can attribute some of her wealth to public speaking fees--$786,000 to be precise. The Fiorinas own a $6.6 million dollar home in Lorton, Virginia and manage a diverse stock portfolio.
Estimate Net Worth: “$10 billion”.
(Realistically, $4 billion)
When controversial Republican candidate released his financial documents, his campaign stated the documents weren’t “designed for a man of Mr. Trump’s massive wealth”. The real estate mogul turned reality star claimed to have a net worth of $10 billion, but Forbes reports his net worth as $4 billion. What’s with the discrepancy? Trump may have neglected to mention his debts and mortgages totaling $500 million. One thing’s for sure: he can definitely afford to fund his campaign by himself.
