Jessica Tarlov is a sharp-witted political commentator who’s made a name for herself as the liberal voice on Fox News’ hit show, The Five. Known for her insightful takes on current events, she’s built a career blending smarts, strategy, and on-screen charm. In this Jessica Tarlov biography and net worth guide, we’ll explore her journey from a history major to a media powerhouse, all while keeping things straightforward and fun to read.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Tarlov |
| Nickname / Stage Name | None |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1984 |
| Age | 41 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Political strategist, television commentator, co-host |
| Known For | Co-host on Fox News’ The Five, Democratic strategist on conservative media |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Family / Spouse | Husband: Brian McKenna (married 2021); Children: Cleo (born December 2021), Teddy (born April 2024); Parents: Mark Tarlov (father, deceased 2021), Judith Roberts (mother); Sister: Molly Tarlov |
| Education | B.A. in History from Bryn Mawr College; M.Sc. in Public Policy and Administration, M.Res. in Political Science, Ph.D. in Political Science and Government from London School of Economics (2012) |
| Social Media Followers | X (Twitter): Approximately 272,000 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $4 million |
Early Life & Background
Growing up in the bustling streets of Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, Jessica Tarlov had creativity and intellect in her blood. Born on March 9, 1984, to filmmaker Mark Tarlov and screenwriter Judith Roberts, she was surrounded by storytelling from day one. Her dad directed movies like Simply Irresistible, while her mom penned its script. Jessica, along with her younger sister Molly—who later became an actress—enjoyed a childhood filled with New York City’s energy.
From a young age, Jessica showed a keen interest in history and politics. She pursued her passion at Bryn Mawr College, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. Not stopping there, she headed across the pond to the London School of Economics, where she stacked up advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in political science. Her dissertation dove into how scandals affect politicians’ elections—a topic that would prove handy in her future career.
These early years shaped her into a thoughtful analyst, ready to tackle the world of politics with facts and flair.
Career Journey & Achievements
Jessica’s path to the spotlight started with hands-on experience in the political arena. In 2008, she jumped into Boris Johnson’s successful campaign for London mayor, honing her skills in strategy and research. Back in the U.S., she worked as a research assistant for veteran political analyst Douglas Schoen, who spotted her talent and pushed for her to appear on Fox News.
Her big break came in 2014 with her first Fox News spot. She quickly became a regular guest on shows like Hannity, Outnumbered, and Fox & Friends. By 2017, she was an official contributor, offering Democratic perspectives in a mostly conservative space. Her role expanded in 2022 when she became a rotating co-host on The Five, alongside folks like Harold Ford Jr. The show, known for its lively debates, draws massive audiences, making it cable news’ top-rated program.
Beyond TV, Jessica served as head of research at Bustle magazine, sharpening her media savvy. She’s faced challenges too, like a 2024 defamation lawsuit from Tony Bobulinski over on-air comments, which she addressed promptly. Through it all, her career highlights include representing balanced views and building a reputation as a go-to expert on elections and policy.
Personal Life & Relationships
Jessica keeps her personal world close but shares glimpses that show a warm family life. She met her husband, hedge fund executive Brian McKenna, during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were neighbors. Their connection sparked quickly, leading to an engagement announced on Fox in April 2021 and a wedding soon after.
The couple welcomed their first daughter, Cleo Markie McKenna, in December 2021, followed by their second, Teddy, in April 2024. Jessica often mentions how motherhood has added joy and perspective to her busy life. She’s of Jewish heritage and proudly identifies as a Democrat, balancing her professional role on a conservative network with her values.
In her downtime, she enjoys family time and staying grounded amid the media whirlwind.
Net Worth & Financial Overview
Jessica Tarlov’s net worth sits at an estimated $4 million, built largely through her media career. Keep in mind, these figures are estimates based on public data from sites like Celebrity Net Worth, which pull from salaries, appearances, and other info.
Her primary income source is her Fox News gig, where she earns about $2 million annually as a co-host on The Five. This salary reflects her prominence on one of TV’s biggest shows. Additional earnings likely come from consulting work, speaking engagements, and past roles like at Bustle. While specifics on investments or endorsements aren’t widely detailed, her strategic background suggests smart financial moves contribute to her wealth.
Overall, her fortune stems from years of climbing the ladder in politics and media, turning expertise into a solid paycheck.
Notable Facts & Trivia
Here are some fun tidbits about Jessica: She’s towering at 5’11”, which she jokes came without a coffee habit. Her family ties run deep in entertainment—her sister Molly starred in MTV’s Awkward, and her late father produced films. Jessica’s Ph.D. focused on political scandals, giving her an edge in commentary. In 2024, she shared with The New York Times her aim to bridge divides on air, proving opposites can debate civilly. Plus, she’s a mom of two young girls, juggling diapers and debates like a pro.
Impact & Legacy
Jessica Tarlov matters because she brings balance to polarized media. As a Democrat on Fox News, she challenges assumptions and fosters real conversations, reaching millions weekly on The Five. Her influence extends to inspiring young women in politics, showing that intellect and poise can thrive in tough spots.
Her legacy? Proving that diverse voices strengthen democracy, one segment at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jessica Tarlov’s estimated net worth is $4 million, mainly from her Fox News salary and related work. Remember, this is an approximation from public sources.
She rose to fame through Fox News appearances starting in 2014, becoming a contributor in 2017 and co-host on The Five in 2022, thanks to her sharp political insights.
Key wins include her Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, roles in major campaigns, and co-hosting cable’s top show, The Five, while representing liberal views effectively.
She’s married to Brian McKenna, a hedge fund executive, since 2021. They have two daughters, Cleo and Teddy.
She reportedly earns $2 million per year as a co-host on The Five.
As of 2025, she’s still co-hosting The Five on Fox News, raising her family, and sharing thoughts on politics via media and social platforms.
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