From the very moment that Tulsi Gabbard announced her intentions of running for president of the United States earlier in February, she must have known that the battle for the White House would be long and hard—before facing Donald Trump, she would have to take on the literal dozens of candidates running for the Democratic nomination, including big name politicians like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and even former vice president Joe Biden. The road will be a bumpy one, but with the support of her husband Abraham Williams, Gabbard might be able to go all the way. Here's everything you need to know about Williams as his wife takes center stage in the 2020 election.
He's been supporting Gabbard long before they even got together.
Politics was the initial thing that brought Gabbard and Williams together; Williams was working as a volunteer on Gabbard's 2012 political run for a seat in the House of Representatives, shooting many of the notable images of her campaign. After the race was won, they met in person, and sparks flew. "About a year and a half later, he asked me out for the first time at a birthday party that a mutual friend of ours threw for me," Gabbard told The New York Times in 2015. "It was the first time that we had a chance to kick back, relax and really talk on a personal level." That first meeting might have sealed the deal, because in 2015, the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Kahaluʻu.
He's a talented cinematographer.
As evidenced by his role in Gabbard's first campaign, Williams has an excellent eye for capturing images and puts his skills to work as a cinematographer, steadicam operator and camera operator. His professional website pretty much speaks for itself—the guy is really talented.
He's an avid fan of water sports.
Growing up in what is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, Williams naturally developed an affinity for the outdoors, particularly for the beautiful clear waters of Hawaii. He's big on surfing waves, something that also really endeared him to his wife, who shared his interest in the extreme sport. "As we got to know each other, we realized how much we actually had in common," said Gabbard. "Pretty soon, we were going on hikes, going surfing and spending as much time together as we could. Oftentimes that meant an early-morning surf before work. Our friendship and relationship developed over our mutual love for the ocean and surfing.”
Williams' romantic marriage proposal to even involved the water sport; He popped the big question one evening while he and Gabbard were taking on the waves, the orange glow of the setting sun as their backdrop. Talk about romantic.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
-
'A Very Boy Band Holiday': Everything You Need to KnowThe show features members of bands like *NSYNC and New Kids on the Block.
By Julie Tremaine •
-
Why George Clooney Turned Down $35 Million for a Single Day’s Work
“My wife and I had this conversation when I turned 60 this summer.”
By Julie Tremaine •
-
Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan Finally Ended Their Feud
“I am genuinely very happy for her.”
By Julie Tremaine •
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors •
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate •
-
It’s Time to End Equal Pay Days and Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
The passage of the ERA is a chance for our country to prove it truly values women.
By Hala Ayala •
-
In Conversation: Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Emily Tisch Sussman
“It’s ridiculous that we’re the only advanced nation on the planet that doesn’t help families with childcare.”
By Emily Tisch Sussman •
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein •
-
Anita Hill Believes We Can End Gender Violence
Three decades after her landmark testimony in the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, the esteemed professor and lawyer has a message for leaders: The time is now to prioritize anti-gender violence policies.
By Rachel Epstein •
-
For Teachers, Going to Work Can Mean Life or Death
Stefanie Minguell, a COVID survivor and second grade teacher in Florida's Broward County, almost died of COVID-19 and is immunocomprised. When she teaches in the classroom, she’s forced to choose between her health and her students.
By Megan DiTrolio •
-
Periods Don’t Stop for Pandemics—And Neither Have Our Nation’s Moms
Policies touted in the $3.5 trillion budget plan and other Congressional bills are missing a core component of maternal well-being: menstrual access and health.
By Christy Turlington Burns •
