The billionaire couple reshaping American politics from a shipping supply empire in Illinois
In short: Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein built Uline into a shipping giant, but their influence extends far beyond logistics. As prolific donors to far-right causes and candidates, they have poured tens of millions into shaping conservative policy, from local school boards to national elections, while maintaining a notoriously private public profile.
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein founded Uline in 1980 with startup capital from Richard's father, Edgar Uihlein, a prominent conservative who served on the John Birch Society's finance committee. Today, Uline is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, employing approximately 7,000 people as of 2020. While the company provides the couple's immense wealth, their political footprint is arguably more significant. Richard, who rarely grants interviews, is a staunch social and economic conservative, while Elizabeth uses her column in the company catalog to voice opinions on topics ranging from Chinese competition to the Federal Reserve.
The couple's political spending has escalated dramatically over the last decade. In the 2014 election cycle, they contributed at least $5 million, a figure that surged to $22 million in 2016 and $37.7 million in 2018. Their donations often target hardline conservative PACs and candidates, including support for Roy Moore and various efforts to restrict abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. They were also major financial backers of the Tea Party Patriots, a group that participated in the rally preceding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Their influence is not limited to federal races; they frequently inject themselves into local politics, including school board elections and state-level initiatives.
Beyond national politics, Elizabeth Uihlein has exerted significant control over the commerce and aesthetics of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, where the couple owns a summer home. Through EAU Holdings, they own numerous local businesses, including a gym, restaurant, and various lodgings. This involvement has sparked controversy, particularly regarding their influence over public spaces like Rest Lake Park and local bike trails. Residents have criticized the couple for overly manicuring the landscape, and in 2015, Elizabeth faced scrutiny for unpermitted clear-cutting at a lodge property, which violated environmental regulations. Despite these local tensions and the national backlash regarding their political donations, the Uihleins remain deeply entrenched in both the American political landscape and their chosen local communities.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein
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