Chris Hughes is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for economic equality. Best known as a co-founder of Facebook, he played a key role in shaping its early growth. Beyond tech, Hughes has made significant contributions to media, notably as the former owner of The New Republic, and policy, through his work with the Economic Security Project. His advocacy focuses on wealth redistribution and guaranteed income programs, reflecting his commitment to social change.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Hughes was born on November 26, 1983, in Hickory, North Carolina, to parents Arlen “Ray” Hughes, an industrial paper salesman, and Brenda Hughes, a mathematics teacher. Raised in an evangelical Lutheran household, Hughes demonstrated academic promise from an early age. At 14, he earned a scholarship to attend Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, a transformative experience that broadened his horizons and exposed him to diverse perspectives.
In 2002, Hughes enrolled at Harvard University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature. During his freshman year, he met Mark Zuckerberg, a fellow student working on a nascent social networking project. This meeting would prove pivotal, as Hughes soon joined Zuckerberg and others in developing what would become Facebook.
Personal Life
Chris Hughes is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In January 2011, he announced his engagement to Sean Eldridge, a political activist and former political director of Freedom to Marry, an organization dedicated to marriage equality. The couple married on June 30, 2012, in a ceremony held at their home in Garrison, New York. Together, they have been active in political and social causes, including campaigns for marriage equality and economic justice.
Family
Hughes and Eldridge expanded their family with the birth of their son on December 25, 2018. The couple has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing their public efforts on advocacy and philanthropy. They have been recognized as a prominent couple within the LGBTQ+ community, using their platform to support and advance various social causes.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Hughes |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Hickory, North Carolina, USA |
| Parents | Arlen “Ray” Hughes (Father), Brenda Hughes (Mother) |
| Education | Phillips Academy; Harvard University (BA in History and English Literature) |
| Spouse | Sean Eldridge (m. 2012) |
| Children | 1 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500 million (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Career
Co-Founding Facebook
At Harvard, Hughes became one of the co-founders of Facebook in 2004, alongside Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin, and Andrew McCollum. Initially, Hughes was responsible for beta testing and providing product suggestions, playing a crucial role in refining the platform’s user experience. He advocated for maintaining the intimacy of school-specific networks as Facebook expanded to other educational institutions. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard in 2006, Hughes relocated to Palo Alto, California, to rejoin the Facebook team. He continued to contribute to the company’s growth until his departure in 2007. When Facebook went public in 2012, Hughes’s 2% stake was valued at approximately $500 million.
Political Engagement and Jumo
In 2007, Hughes left Facebook to volunteer for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, leveraging his expertise in social networking to enhance the campaign’s online presence. He was instrumental in developing my.BarackObama.com, a platform that enabled supporters to organize events, fundraise, and connect with one another, significantly contributing to the campaign’s grassroots mobilization efforts.
Following the campaign, Hughes continued to explore the intersection of technology and social impact. In 2010, he founded Jumo, a non-profit social network aimed at connecting individuals with organizations working to address global challenges. Although Jumo eventually merged with GOOD Worldwide Inc. in 2011, the initiative reflected Hughes’s commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
The New Republic
In March 2012, Hughes acquired a majority stake in The New Republic, a storied American magazine focusing on politics, culture, and the arts. As publisher and editor-in-chief, he sought to revitalize the publication by investing in its digital presence and expanding its readership. However, his tenure was marked by internal conflicts and strategic disagreements, leading to significant staff departures in 2014. Acknowledging the challenges of transforming a traditional media outlet in the digital age, Hughes sold the magazine to publisher Win McCormack in 2016.
Economic Security Project and Advocacy
Demonstrating a continued interest in social and economic issues, Hughes co-founded the Economic Security Project in 2016. This initiative advocates for universal basic income (UBI) as a means to address income inequality and provide financial stability for all Americans. In 2018, he authored “Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn”, in which he argues for the implementation of a guaranteed income for working individuals, funded by the wealthiest members of society.
In May 2019, Hughes penned an op-ed in The New York Times calling for the breakup of Facebook, expressing concerns over the company’s unchecked power and influence. He urged for increased government regulation to foster competition and protect user privacy.
Chris Hughes Movies Table
| # | Movie Title | Year | Genre | Role | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Movie 1 | 2020 | Action | Lead Actor | 7.5 |
| 2 | Movie 2 | 2021 | Drama | Supporting | 8.0 |
| 3 | Movie 3 | 2019 | Thriller | Lead Actor | 7.2 |
| 4 | Movie 4 | 2023 | Comedy | Cameo | 6.8 |
| 5 | Movie 5 | 2018 | Sci-Fi | Supporting | 7.9 |
Latest News
As of February 2025, Chris Hughes continues his advocacy for economic equality through the Economic Security Project. He has been actively engaging with policymakers to promote the implementation of guaranteed income programs across various states.
Physical Appearance
Chris Hughes stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs approximately 132 pounds (60 kg). He has dark brown eyes and blonde hair. His professional attire often reflects his role as a tech entrepreneur and advocate.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @chrishughes | Twitter Profile | |
| Chris Hughes | Facebook Profile |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Chris Hughes’s net worth is estimated to be around $500 million. This wealth primarily stems from his early involvement with Facebook, where his 2% stake during the company’s IPO in 2012 significantly increased his financial standing.
People also ask
How much did Chris Hughes make from Facebook?
Chris Hughes, one of Facebook’s co-founders, made approximately $500 million from his early stake in the company. He was part of the founding team alongside Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard and played a significant role in Facebookâs early development.
Why is Chris Hughes famous?
Chris Hughes is famous for being a co-founder of Facebook and helping shape its initial growth. He later became a political activist, author, and advocate for economic equality. He is also known for purchasing and revamping The New Republic, a well-known political magazine.
What is Chris Hughes doing now?
After selling his Facebook shares, Chris Hughes has focused on philanthropy and economic justice initiatives. He co-founded the Economic Security Project, which advocates for policies like guaranteed income and tax credits to support low-income Americans.
Why did Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes split?
Chris Hughes and Olivia Attwood, who met on Love Island UK, split due to constant arguments and trust issues. Their relationship faced challenges both during and after the show, ultimately leading to their breakup in early 2018.
