Jessica Tarlov is an American political strategist, analyst and television personality known for her role as a co-host on Fox News’ The Five. She has built a career around political commentary, polling, and public discussion, often bringing a Democratic perspective to conversations about U.S. politics. Her clear and direct style has made her a familiar face to television audiences.
Beyond her television career, many people are interested in Jessica Tarlov’s education, family background, marriage, children, and professional journey. Her work in politics and media has also raised questions about her career path and life outside the spotlight. This article explores Jessica Tarlov’s background, education, career, family, husband, children, and current work.
Jessica Tarlov Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jessica Tarlov |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1984 |
| Age | 42 years old (2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Bryn Mawr College; London School of Economics and Political Science |
| Bachelor’s Degree | B.A. in History |
| Advanced Degrees | Two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Government |
| Profession | Political strategist, analyst, author, and television personality |
| Known For | Co-host of The Five on Fox News |
| Fox News Career | Joined as a contributor in 2017 |
| Husband | Brian McKenna |
| Marriage | 2021 |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Podcast | Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway |
| Book | I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends |
| Current Role | Fox News co-host and political commentator |
Who Is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov is an American political strategist, analyst, and television personality best known for her work at Fox News. She joined Fox News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and became a rotating co-host of The Five, where she regularly takes part in political discussions and offers a Democratic perspective. Before becoming a familiar television figure, Tarlov worked in political research, polling, and strategy, including several years as a strategist with Schoen Consulting.
Tarlov’s career combines politics, research, media, and public commentary. She also previously worked in research and consumer insights at Bustle Digital Group and has continued to appear across Fox News and Fox Business programming. In 2026, she remains associated with The Five and also co-hosts the Raging Moderates podcast with Scott Galloway.
Jessica Tarlov is best known for combining political strategy and Democratic commentary with her television career at Fox News.
Jessica Tarlov’s Early Life and Family Background
Jessica Tarlov was born and raised in New York City, growing up in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood with her younger sister, Molly. Her family had strong connections to the entertainment and media world. Her father, Mark Tarlov, worked as an attorney before becoming a film producer and director, while her mother, Judith Roberts, worked as a screenwriter. Tarlov and her sister experienced a childhood that included traveling with their father to film locations.
Although her family was connected to film, Tarlov chose a different professional direction. Rather than pursuing acting or filmmaking, she developed an interest in history, politics, research, and public policy. Her education eventually took her from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania to the London School of Economics, where she pursued advanced degrees that helped shape her later career in political strategy and analysis.
Tarlov grew up in a creative Manhattan family but built her own career around politics, research, and public affairs.
Who Are Jessica Tarlov’s Parents?
Jessica Tarlov’s parents were Mark Tarlov and Judith Roberts. Her father had a varied career in law and entertainment. He worked in business affairs at Warner Bros. and had earlier worked as a speechwriter for Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger. He later became involved in filmmaking, producing films and directing projects of his own.
Her mother, Judith Roberts, was a screenwriter, and the family’s work in entertainment shaped much of Tarlov’s early environment. Mark and Judith raised Jessica and her sister Molly in Tribeca, and the sisters sometimes traveled with their father while he worked on film projects. Mark Tarlov died in 2021, and Jessica has spoken about the influence her father had on her life.
Jessica Tarlov’s parents gave her an early connection to law, media, and the entertainment industry.
Who Is Jessica Tarlov’s Sister Molly Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov’s sister is Molly Tarlov, an actress known for her work in television. Molly is particularly recognized for playing Sadie Saxton on MTV’s series Awkward. The sisters grew up together in Tribeca and experienced a childhood shaped in part by their parents’ work in the film industry.
While Molly pursued acting, Jessica followed a different path into political research and television commentary. Their careers have therefore developed in separate areas of the media world, with Molly working primarily as an actress and Jessica becoming known for political analysis and her appearances on Fox News.
Molly Tarlov is Jessica’s sister and an actress best known for her role on Awkward.
Where Did Jessica Tarlov Go to College?
Jessica Tarlov attended Bryn Mawr College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Her time at Bryn Mawr helped establish her interest in politics and public affairs, although her later career would combine political research with television and media work. The college identifies her as a member of its class of 2006.
After completing her undergraduate education, Tarlov continued her studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. There, she focused on political science and public policy and eventually earned advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. Her academic background became an important part of the expertise she later brought to political strategy and television commentary.
Tarlov earned her undergraduate degree in history from Bryn Mawr College before pursuing advanced political studies in London.
What Did Jessica Tarlov Study at the London School of Economics?
At the London School of Economics and Political Science, Jessica Tarlov pursued advanced studies in political science and public policy. Fox News states that she earned two master’s degrees in Political Science and Public Policy as well as a Ph.D. in Government from the institution. Her academic work focused heavily on politics and helped prepare her for a career involving political research and strategy.
Her doctoral research examined the relationship between political scandals and electoral outcomes for members of parliament. This academic background gave Tarlov a strong foundation in understanding political behavior, elections, and public opinion. She later carried that knowledge into professional political consulting and, eventually, television analysis.
Her studies at the London School of Economics gave Tarlov an advanced academic background in politics, policy, and government.
How Did Jessica Tarlov Start Her Political Career?
Jessica Tarlov began building her political career through research and strategy rather than television. After completing her education, she worked on Boris Johnson’s 2008 campaign for mayor of London. She later worked with Democratic pollster Douglas Schoen and developed experience in political consulting and messaging.
Her work with Schoen Consulting became an important early stage of her career. She advised domestic and international clients on messaging strategies and worked as a Democratic pollster. This experience eventually helped move her toward television, where her ability to discuss polling, elections, and political strategy made her a natural fit for political news programs.
Tarlov entered politics through research, polling and campaign strategy before moving into television.
Jessica Tarlov’s Career as a Democratic Strategist and Pollster
Tarlov built her professional reputation as a Democratic strategist and pollster before becoming a regular television personality. At Schoen Consulting, she spent more than five years working on messaging strategies for domestic and international clients. Her work involved understanding political audiences and helping develop effective approaches to communication.
She later moved into research and consumer insights at Bustle Digital Group, where she worked with audience research and trends. This experience expanded her career beyond traditional political consulting and gave her another perspective on how audiences respond to ideas and messages. Her background in research and strategy continues to influence the way she approaches political discussions on television.
Tarlov’s political career was built on strategy, polling, research, and understanding how people respond to political messages.
When Did Jessica Tarlov Join Fox News?
Jessica Tarlov joined Fox News Channel as a contributor in 2017. Before receiving that formal contributor role, she had already appeared frequently on the network, with Fox News noting that she had been a regular guest since 2014. Her early appearances helped introduce her political analysis to a larger television audience.
When Fox News officially brought her on as a contributor in May 2017, she was described as a Democratic strategist and then-Senior Director of Research at Bustle Digital Group. Her role allowed her to provide political analysis across Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, eventually leading to her more prominent position on The Five.
Jessica Tarlov officially joined Fox News as a contributor in 2017 after several years of appearing on the network.
Jessica Tarlov on The Five
Jessica Tarlov is a rotating co-host of Fox News’ The Five, a weekday program built around discussions of current events, politics, and major news stories. She is known for bringing a Democratic viewpoint to a panel that includes commentators with different political perspectives. Her role has made her one of the more recognizable liberal voices on the network.
Tarlov’s role on The Five has become a major part of her television career. She regularly takes part in debates and discussions about U.S. politics, often presenting arguments from a Democratic perspective while responding to the views of her co-hosts. Her work on the show has also helped make her political commentary familiar to a broad television audience.
On The Five, Tarlov is known for providing a Democratic perspective in the show’s political debates and discussions.
What Is Jessica Tarlov Known for on Fox News?
Jessica Tarlov is best known for being a liberal voice on Fox News’ The Five. She became a contributor to the network in 2017 and was named a co-host of The Five in 2022. On the program, she regularly debates political issues with co-hosts who hold different viewpoints, making her role distinctive on a show with a mix of political perspectives.
Her background in polling, political strategy, and research also shapes the way she approaches these discussions. Tarlov often uses political data and election trends when making her arguments, and her ability to debate across ideological lines has become a major part of her television identity.
Jessica Tarlov is best known on Fox News for bringing a liberal perspective and data-driven political analysis to The Five.
Who Is Jessica Tarlov’s Husband Brian McKenna?
Jessica Tarlov’s husband is Brian McKenna, a finance professional who has been described as a hedge fund executive. Unlike his wife, McKenna generally stays away from television and keeps his personal life private. The couple met while living next door to each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their relationship developed during the lockdown period.
Tarlov has occasionally spoken about McKenna and their family life, including describing him warmly as a husband and father. Their relationship has remained largely outside the media spotlight, even though Tarlov has a highly visible career on television.
Brian McKenna is Jessica Tarlov’s husband and a finance executive who largely stays out of the spotlight.
When Did Jessica Tarlov and Brian McKenna Get Married?
Jessica Tarlov and Brian McKenna got married in 2021, only a few weeks after announcing their engagement in April of that year. Their relationship had started during the COVID-19 pandemic after they connected as neighbors.
The year 2021 was an especially important period in Tarlov’s personal life. She married McKenna, became pregnant with their first child, and also faced the serious illness of her father, Mark Tarlov. In her 2026 book I Disagree, Tarlov writes about how these major events shaped that period of her life.
Jessica Tarlov and Brian McKenna married in 2021 after beginning their relationship during the pandemic.
How Many Children Does Jessica Tarlov Have?
Jessica Tarlov and Brian McKenna have two children, both daughters. Their first daughter, Cleo Markie McKenna, was born in December 2021, while their second daughter, Teddy Tarlov McKenna, was born in April 2024.
Tarlov has balanced motherhood with her demanding television career. She has spoken about taking maternity leave and about the importance of family, while she and McKenna have generally kept their daughters away from excessive media attention.
Jessica Tarlov is the mother of two daughters, Cleo and Teddy, with her husband Brian McKenna.
Who Are Jessica Tarlov’s Daughters?
Jessica Tarlov’s first daughter is Cleo Markie McKenna, who was born in December 2021. Her middle name, Markie, was chosen in honor of Tarlov’s late father, Mark Tarlov, who died in 2021. Tarlov was pregnant with Cleo when her father’s health was declining, making the name especially meaningful to her.
The couple’s second daughter is Teddy Tarlov McKenna, who was born in April 2024. Tarlov announced that she was expecting her second child on The Five in early 2024, and Fox News colleagues later shared the news of Teddy’s birth. The family has shared some personal moments publicly while keeping much of the children’s lives private.
Jessica Tarlov’s two daughters are Cleo Markie McKenna and Teddy Tarlov McKenna.
What Is Jessica Tarlov’s New Book I Disagree About?
Jessica Tarlov’s 2026 book, I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends, focuses on how people can handle political and personal disagreements without damaging their relationships. The book draws on her experience as a liberal commentator who regularly debates conservative voices on The Five. It encourages readers to communicate with confidence while still listening to people who hold different views.
A major theme of the book is learning how to argue more constructively. Tarlov discusses preparation, data, communication, and finding common ground rather than treating every disagreement as a personal fight. The book was published by Random House in September 2026 and represents a new part of her career beyond television commentary.
I Disagree is Tarlov’s guide to handling disagreements while staying true to your beliefs and relationships.
Does Jessica Tarlov Host the Raging Moderates Podcast?
Yes. Jessica Tarlov co-hosts Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway. The podcast focuses on American politics from a center-left and center-right perspective, with the hosts discussing elections, political strategy, and major current events. It is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
The show remains active in 2026, with new episodes covering major political developments and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Tarlov’s role on the podcast gives her another platform to discuss politics outside the Fox News environment and explore her interest in moderation, polling, and political persuasion.
Jessica Tarlov co-hosts Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway, focusing on politics through a moderate lens.
What Is Jessica Tarlov’s Net Worth?
Jessica Tarlov’s exact net worth is not publicly established through official financial records. Celebrity Net Worth currently estimates her net worth at about $4 million and lists an estimated annual salary of $1 million, but these figures are estimates rather than amounts that Tarlov has personally disclosed.
Her income comes from a career that includes political strategy, television commentary, and media work. In 2026, her professional activities also include The Five, Raging Moderates, and her book I Disagree. Because private earnings and assets are not fully disclosed, any precise net-worth figure should be treated as an estimate rather than a definite amount.
Jessica Tarlov’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million, although the figure is not officially disclosed.
What Is Jessica Tarlov Doing Now in 2026?
In 2026, Jessica Tarlov continues to work as a co-host of The Five on Fox News while also co-hosting Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway. Her current work remains centered on political commentary, debate, elections, and public discussion. The podcast continues to release new episodes covering major political developments and the 2026 election landscape.
2026 has also been an important year for Tarlov as an author. Her first book, I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends, was released in September and has brought more attention to her views on political disagreement and communication. She continues to combine television, podcasting, and writing while raising her two young daughters with Brian McKenna.
In 2026, Tarlov remains active on The Five, Raging Moderates, and as the author of I Disagree.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Old Is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov was born on March 9, 1984, making her 42 years old in 2026. She was born in New York City.
2. Where Is Jessica Tarlov From?
Jessica Tarlov is from New York City and grew up in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood.
3. Is Jessica Tarlov Married?
Yes. Jessica Tarlov is married to Brian McKenna. The couple married in 2021 after meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Who Is Jessica Tarlov’s Husband?
Jessica Tarlov’s husband is Brian McKenna, a finance professional described as a hedge fund executive. He generally maintains a private life away from television.
5. How Many Children Does Jessica Tarlov Have?
Jessica Tarlov has two daughters with Brian McKenna: Cleo Markie McKenna and Teddy Tarlov McKenna.
6. Where Did Jessica Tarlov Go to School?
Tarlov graduated from Bryn Mawr College and later attended the London School of Economics, where she earned advanced degrees in political science and government.
7. Is Jessica Tarlov Still on The Five?
Yes. Jessica Tarlov remains a co-host of The Five in 2026 and continues to provide political commentary on the program.
Concolution
Jessica Tarlov has built a distinctive career by combining political strategy, research, television commentary, podcasting, and writing. Her role on The Five has made her a familiar political voice, while Raging Moderates and her 2026 book I Disagree have expanded her work into discussions about political moderation and constructive disagreement.Away from politics and television, Tarlov is also a wife and mother of two daughters. Her career continues to grow across different forms of media, while she maintains a clear focus on politics, debate, and communication in 2026.
