Former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney has been a prominent figure in American politics for years. As someone who served in Congress and comes from a well-known political family, many people are curious about her financial standing.
Liz Cheney’s net worth has become a topic of interest, especially after her high-profile stance during the current hearings. Her wealth comes from various sources, including her congressional salary, family connections, and personal investments.
Understanding how politicians build their finances helps citizens stay informed about who represents them. The numbers reveal more than just dollar amounts; they show a career built on both public service and strategic decisions. How much has the Cheney legacy contributed to her financial success?
Family and Education Background
Liz Cheney was born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, to prominent parents Dick Cheney, former Vice President of the United States, and Lynne Cheney, a noted conservative scholar and writer.
She has a younger sister named Mary Cheney. The family moved between Washington, D.C., and Wyoming during her childhood as her father pursued his political career.
Liz graduated from McLean High School in Virginia in 1984, then earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado College in 1988, where she wrote a thesis on presidential war powers.
She later earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1996, also studying Middle Eastern history. Her education and family background deeply influenced her career in law and politics.
What Is Liz Cheney’s Net Worth in 2026
Liz Cheney’s net worth is estimated to be between $10.4 million and $48.2 million in 2025, according to financial disclosure reports.
Her wealth comes from congressional earnings, investments, and family assets accumulated over decades. The exact figure remains somewhat unclear because politicians report their finances in ranges rather than specific amounts.
Her husband, Philip Perry, works as a high-earning lawyer, which contributes significantly to their household income. Real estate holdings in Virginia and Wyoming add considerable value to their portfolio.
Stock investments and retirement accounts make up another portion of their assets. Since leaving Congress in 2023, book deals and speaking fees have likely increased her earnings further. The Cheney family’s long-standing political connections also provided financial opportunities throughout her career.
Liz Cheney’s Income Sources
Understanding her net worth requires looking at multiple revenue streams that contributed to her wealth. Her financial portfolio combines earnings from public service, private sector work, and strategic investments.
1. Congressional Salary
Cheney earned $174,000 annually as a U.S. Representative from 2017 to 2023. This base salary remained consistent throughout her congressional tenure.
Leadership positions in the House Republican Conference also increased her income slightly. Congressional benefits included health insurance and a retirement plan that added long-term value. Six years of service meant she collected over $1 million in salary alone before leaving office.
2. Legal Career Earnings
Before entering politics, Cheney worked as an attorney at White & Case, a prestigious international law firm. Her legal background in corporate and international law provided a strong financial foundation.
She also worked at the International Finance Corporation, adding to her early career earnings. These legal positions established her professional credibility and built her initial wealth base.
3. Government Service Positions
Cheney held multiple State Department roles during the Bush administration, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. These positions paid between $120,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on the level. She worked on Middle East policy and democracy promotion programs.
Government service also expanded her political network, leading to future opportunities. Her experience in international affairs positioned her for higher-profile roles that increased her earning potential over time.
4. Political Action Committee
After losing her 2022 primary election, Cheney launched The Great Task, a political action committee focused on preventing election deniers from taking office.
The organization raises funds from donors who support its political mission. While exact compensation details aren’t publicly disclosed, PAC directors typically earn competitive salaries. This venture keeps her politically active while generating income outside traditional government roles.
5. Book Deals and Speaking Fees
After leaving Congress, Cheney signed a book deal to write about her experiences during the January 6th investigation. Speaking engagements at universities, corporations, and political events generate additional revenue.
Former politicians often earn $50,000 to $100,000 per speech. These post-Congress opportunities significantly increased her earning potential beyond her government salary.
Liz Cheney’s net worth reflects a combination of smart career choices, strategic investments, and diverse income streams. Her various revenue sources created financial stability beyond what most public servants experience.
How Liz Cheney’s Political Stance Affected Her Net Worth
Cheney’s decision to oppose Donald Trump and serve on the January 6th Committee created both financial risks and opportunities for her wealth.
She lost her 2022 primary election by a wide margin, ending her congressional salary and Wyoming political donations. Traditional Republican donors who supported Trump cut off funding to her campaigns.
However, her national profile increased dramatically, opening doors to lucrative book deals worth millions. Speaking fees at universities and corporations rose significantly due to her high-profile stance.
Her net worth likely grew despite losing her seat because post-Congress opportunities pay far more than government salaries. Her controversial position transformed her from a regional politician into a nationally recognized figure with expanded earning potential.
Comparing Liz Cheney’s Net Worth to Other Politicians
Liz Cheney’s net worth falls somewhere in the middle range compared to other members of Congress. Some politicians accumulate far more wealth through business ventures, while others maintain modest savings.
| Politician | Position | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Liz Cheney | Former Representative (Wyoming) | $10.4 million – $48.2 million |
| Nancy Pelosi | Former Speaker | $97 million – $302 million |
| Mitch McConnell | Senate Leader | $35 million – $95 million |
| Adam Kinzinger | Former Representative (Illinois) | $500,000 – $1.5 million |
| Mitt Romney | Senator (Utah) | $235 million – $565 million |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | Representative (New York) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Future Earning Potential
Liz Cheney has the potential to grow substantially in the coming years through various opportunities. Her national recognition and political experience create multiple revenue streams beyond traditional government work.
- Book royalties and publishing deals: Her memoir about the January 6th Committee investigation could generate ongoing sales for years, with potential film or documentary rights adding extra revenue.
- Corporate board positions: Companies seeking politically experienced directors often pay board members between $200,000 and $500,000 annually, with multiple board seats possible.
- Television commentary roles: News networks frequently hire former politicians as paid contributors, with contracts ranging from $250,000 to over $1 million per year.
- University teaching positions: Prestigious institutions offer visiting professorships or fellowships that pay $150,000 to $300,000 annually while providing credibility.
- Consulting and advisory services: Her foreign policy and government experience make her valuable to corporations and organizations needing Washington expertise at premium rates.
Final Thoughts
Liz Cheney’s net worth demonstrates how politicians build wealth through diverse income streams beyond their government paychecks.
From congressional salaries to book deals, speaking engagements, and investments, her financial portfolio reflects strategic career decisions made over decades.
Her controversial political stance may have cost her a seat in Congress, but it opened doors to potentially more profitable opportunities in media, consulting, and publishing.
Understanding how public figures accumulate wealth provides valuable insight into the intersection of politics and money in America. Whether she returns to elected office or continues building her brand as a political commentator, her financial future looks secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Liz Cheney Do For A Living Now?
Liz Cheney is currently a political author, speaker, and policy advocate. After leaving Congress in 2023, she focused on writing, public speaking, and participating in democracy and rule of law initiatives.
Do Mary Cheney And Liz Cheney Get Along?
Yes, Mary Cheney and Liz Cheney have publicly said they get along. While they disagreed in the past on issues related to same sex marriage, Liz Cheney later acknowledged her position caused harm.
Is Liz Cheney Married To A Lawyer?
Yes, Liz Cheney is married to Philip Perry, who is a lawyer. He has worked in private legal practice and previously held senior legal roles in the US government, including at the Department of Homeland Security.
Who Replaced Liz Cheney?
Liz Cheney was replaced in Congress by Harriet Hageman. Hageman won the 2022 Republican primary in Wyoming and then the general election, taking over Cheney’s seat in the US House of Representatives.
