Dana Perino is an American political commentator, author, and television host best known as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush.
She later built a second career at Fox News, where she co-anchors America’s Newsroom and co-hosts The Five.
Dana Perino Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Marie Perino |
| Born | May 9, 1972, Evanston, Wyoming |
| Age | 54 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Political Commentator, Author, TV Host |
| Known For | 26th White House Press Secretary |
| Husband | Peter McMahon (m. 1998) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
Who is Dana Perino?
Dana Marie Perino is an American political commentator, television host, and bestselling author. She served as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush.
She held that role from September 2007 to January 2009.
Perino was the first Republican woman to serve as White House Press Secretary. Before her, only Dee Dee Myers had held the job as a woman.
Her calm daily briefings during the Bush years drew wide attention.
Since 2009, Perino has anchored and hosted programs at Fox News. Today she co-anchors America’s Newsroom and co-hosts the panel show The Five.
In April 2026, she released her debut novel, Purple State.
Early Life of Dana Perino
Dana Perino was born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming. Her family moved to the Denver area of Colorado while she was young.
She grew up alongside her sister, Angie Perino.
Perino’s family had deep roots in ranching. During summers, she stayed on her grandfather’s ranch in Newcastle, Wyoming.
Those summers shaped her work ethic from an early age.
Her interest in public life started young. After a childhood visit to the White House, she reportedly told her family she would work there one day.
Dana Perino Age / Birthday
Dana Perino is 54 years old as of 2026, born on May 9, 1972. Her zodiac sign is Taurus, a sign often linked with patience, stability, and a steady manner.
Those traits suit her calm on-air presence at Fox News.
At 54, she remains one of the network’s most familiar daytime anchors.
Dana Perino Ethnicity and Nationality
Dana Perino holds American nationality, born in Wyoming and raised in Colorado. She comes from a White American background.
Two of her paternal great-grandparents emigrated from Italy.
That Italian heritage, along with her family’s ranching past, remains part of her personal story.
Dana Perino Education
After high school, Perino enrolled at Colorado State University Pueblo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, with minors in political science and Spanish.
A debate scholarship helped fund her studies.
While in college, Perino worked as a weekend country music DJ during the early morning hours. Those shifts helped her build a broadcast résumé.
Later, she earned a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.
Years after graduating, Perino taught political communications part-time at the graduate level. In 2023, Colorado State University Pueblo honored her with an honorary doctorate.
Dana Perino Career
Dana Perino began her career in Washington, D.C., working for members of Congress. She later moved into federal communications roles before joining the Bush White House.
Her career spans government, broadcasting, and publishing.
Early Career in Government
Perino first worked as a staff assistant for Congressman Scott McInnis of Colorado. She then served as press secretary for Congressman Dan Schaefer for nearly four years.
Those roles taught her the daily work of political messaging.
After a brief period living in England, Perino returned to Washington in 2001. That year, she joined the Department of Justice as a spokesperson.
In 2002, she moved to the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
White House Press Secretary (2005-2009)
Perino joined the Bush administration as Deputy Press Secretary in January 2005. She served as Acting Press Secretary in 2007 before taking the top job.
She became the 26th White House Press Secretary on September 14, 2007.
As press secretary, Perino led daily briefings through the final years of the Bush presidency. She held the post until January 20, 2009.
Her appointment made her the first Republican woman in the role.
Fox News Career (2009-Present)
After leaving the White House, Perino joined Fox News as a political commentator. She became a regular co-host of the panel show The Five.
From 2017, she hosted The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino.
Since 2021, Perino has co-anchored America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer. She also serves as one of the network’s lead election analysts.
Today she hosts the podcast Perino on Politics as well.
Dana Perino Books
Dana Perino has written several bestselling books on politics and life. Her first, And the Good News Is…, came out in 2015.
The book mixed memoir with advice from her White House years.
In 2016, Perino published Let Me Tell You about Jasper, a tribute to her beloved dog. She followed it in 2021 with Everything Will Be Okay, aimed at young women.
Her nonfiction titles reached national bestseller lists.
In April 2026, Perino released her debut novel, Purple State. The political love story follows a young Democrat who moves to a Wisconsin swing state.
Dana Perino Husband
Dana Perino is married to Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman. The couple wed in 1998.
They first met on a flight in 1997.
McMahon has worked in the medical sales and marketing field for years. After their wedding, Perino briefly lived with him in England.
The two later settled in the United States as her career grew.
Perino and McMahon have no children together. Instead, they are well known for their dogs, including Jasper, the subject of one of her books.
Dana Perino Net Worth
Dana Perino’s estimated net worth is $6 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes mainly from her long career at Fox News.
Television anchoring is her primary source of income.
Beyond her network salary, Perino earns through her bestselling books. Her speaking engagements and podcast add to her yearly income.
Book royalties have grown her earnings over the years.
Her move from government to media built a steady, decades-long career. That range of work supports her current net worth.
Dana Perino Social Media
Dana Perino stays active on social media, where she shares news and personal updates. Her verified Instagram handle is @danaperino.
She also posts regularly on X.
On X, Perino shares political commentary and Fox News clips. Her accounts reflect both her work and her lighter side.
Her dogs often feature in her posts.
Perino also uses her platforms to promote her books and podcast. Fans follow her for a mix of news and everyday moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dana Perino?
She is 54 years old, born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming.
Who is Dana Perino’s husband?
She is married to Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman she wed in 1998.
What is Dana Perino’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $6 million as of 2026, earned mainly through her Fox News career.
Does Dana Perino have children?
No, she and Peter McMahon have no children, though they are known for their dogs.
What role did Dana Perino hold in the White House?
She served as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009.
What book did Dana Perino release in 2026?
She published her debut novel, Purple State, in April 2026.
Conclusion
Dana Perino moved from the White House podium to the Fox News anchor desk, becoming the first Republican woman to serve as press secretary and later a daily presence on America’s Newsroom and The Five.
With her 2026 debut novel Purple State, she added fiction to a career that already spanned government, broadcasting, and bestselling books.