Dana Marie Perino (born May 9, 1972) is an American political commentator, author, and former White House Press Secretary from Evanston, Wyoming. She served as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, becoming the first Republican woman to hold that historic role.
Today, she remains one of the most recognized voices on Fox News.
Who is Dana Perino?
Dana Marie Perino is an American political commentator, television host, and bestselling author. She is best known for serving as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from September 14, 2007, to January 20, 2009.
She was the second woman ever to hold the press secretary role, following Dee Dee Myers from the Clinton administration. Furthermore, she was the first Republican woman to serve in that position.
After leaving the White House, Perino built a prominent media career at Fox News. She currently co-anchors America’s Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer on weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. ET. She also serves as a co-host of the long-running panel show The Five. Additionally, she hosts the podcast Perino on Politics and has authored multiple bestselling books, most recently her debut novel Purple State, released in April 2026.
Early Life of Dana Perino
Dana Perino was born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming. Her family relocated to Parker, Colorado, when she was approximately two years old, and she was raised in the Denver metropolitan area. She grew up alongside her sister, Angie Perino.
Two of her paternal great-grandparents were immigrants from Italy.
Her family had deep roots in ranching. Perino spent summers on her grandfather’s ranch in Newcastle, Wyoming, experiences that shaped her values of hard work and self-reliance. At just six years old, after a family visit to the White House, she reportedly climbed onto a milk crate and declared she would one day work there.
She attended Ponderosa High School in Parker, Colorado, where she excelled academically and participated in debate and student government. Those early competitive experiences in public speaking became the foundation of everything that followed.
Dana Perino Age
Dana Perino is 54 years old as of June 3, 2026, born on May 9, 1972. Her zodiac sign is Taurus, a sign associated with determination, stability, and a calm presence under pressure. At 54, she remains one of the most active and influential voices in American political media.
Dana Perino Ethnicity and Nationality
Perino holds American nationality, born in Wyoming and raised in Colorado. She is of White ethnicity, with Italian heritage on her father’s side. Her family’s Italian immigrant roots and ranching background gave her the work ethic and grounded perspective that have defined her public career.
Dana Perino Education
After graduating from Ponderosa High School, Perino enrolled at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications with minors in political science and Spanish. She secured a full scholarship through her debating accomplishments.
She also worked as a country music DJ from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on weekends to build her broadcast resume.
Perino then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, earning a Master of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting. That combination of journalism training and policy focus equipped her perfectly for the communications roles she would go on to hold in government.
Additionally, she later taught political communications part-time at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.
Dana Perino Career
Early Career in Government
Perino’s career in public service began with a staff assistant role for Congressman Scott McInnis in Washington, D.C. She later served as press secretary for Congressman Dan Schaefer. Those early Capitol Hill positions gave her a practical education in government communications.
She was learning the machinery of Washington from the inside.
After briefly living in England following her 1998 marriage, Perino returned to Washington, D.C. in 2001 and joined the U.S. Department of Justice as a communications advisor.
Her performance there, particularly on complex environmental and energy matters, earned her a reputation for handling high-pressure situations with calm precision.
White House Press Secretary
In 2005, Perino joined the White House communications team as Deputy Press Secretary under President George W. Bush. She initially served as Acting White House Press Secretary before being officially appointed to the full role on September 14, 2007.
That appointment made history.
She served as the 26th White House Press Secretary until January 20, 2009, the final day of the Bush administration. Her daily briefings, conducted during the final challenging years of the Bush presidency, were widely noted for their measured tone and professional composure.
Furthermore, her role extended beyond press briefings. She also served as coordinator for agencies on energy, environment, and natural resource issues during her time at the White House.
Fox News Career
After leaving the White House in 2009, Perino joined Fox News as a political commentator. Her ability to break down complex policy issues clearly and without alarm quickly made her a fixture on the network.
She became a co-host of The Five in July 2011, and the show grew into one of cable news’s highest-rated programs.
In 2017, she launched The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino, a solo hosting role that further expanded her on-air profile. She transitioned from that show in early 2021 to co-anchor America’s Newsroom alongside Bill Hemmer, a position she continues to hold.
Additionally, she hosts the Perino on Politics podcast, extending her reach to audio audiences.
Books and Writing Career
Perino has also built a successful career as a published author. She wrote And the Good News Is…: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side (2015) and Let Me Tell You About Jasper: How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog (2016), a tribute to her beloved Hungarian Vizsla. She followed those with Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (2021), aimed at young readers.
Her most recent work marked a significant creative milestone.
In April 2026, she published Purple State, her debut novel and first work of fiction. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller. The political romantic comedy follows a PR professional navigating love and career in a small Wisconsin swing district.
Overall, Perino’s writing career has consistently reached the top of bestseller lists, demonstrating her appeal well beyond cable news audiences.
Dana Perino Husband
Dana Perino has been married to Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman, since 1998. The two met on a flight from Denver to Chicago in 1997. McMahon caught her attention with his British accent, and after two and a half hours of conversation, they exchanged contact information.
Their relationship moved quickly despite an 18-year age difference and the fact that McMahon lived in England.
Perino moved to England and married him within a year of that first meeting. McMahon has worked in global retail and medical industries throughout his career. He has two children from previous marriages, and Perino has embraced his children and grandchildren as her own family. The couple currently resides in Manhattan and shares a deep affection for their Hungarian Vizsla dogs, including their dog Percy.
Dana Perino Children
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon do not have any biological children together. Perino has spoken openly about this choice throughout her career.
She embraces Peter’s children and grandchildren from his previous marriages as part of her family.
Dana Perino Net Worth
Dana Perino’s estimated net worth is $6 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes from a long career spanning government service, cable news hosting, bestselling books, public speaking engagements, and podcast work.
Her roles co-hosting The Five and America’s Newsroom have made her one of Fox News’s most established daytime personalities.
Furthermore, her books have consistently reached bestseller lists, and her public speaking profile adds to her income streams. Overall, Perino’s financial success reflects a career built across multiple platforms and disciplines over more than two decades.
Dana Perino Social Media
Perino maintains active profiles across several platforms. On Instagram, she can be found at @danaperino, where she shares career updates, book news, and personal moments. On X (formerly Twitter), she posts under the handle @DanaPerino, offering political commentary and real-time reactions to news events.
She is also active on TikTok at @thedanaperino.
Additionally, her official Facebook page at facebook.com/danaperino has accumulated a large following of fans and political observers. Overall, her social media presence reflects the same professional and approachable tone she brings to television every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dana Perino’s net worth?
Dana Perino’s estimated net worth is $6 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes from her Fox News career, bestselling books, public speaking, and podcast work.
How old is Dana Perino?
Perino is 54 years old as of June 3, 2026. She was born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming.
Who is Dana Perino’s husband?
Dana Perino has been married to Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman, since 1998. The couple met on a flight from Denver to Chicago in 1997.
Where was Dana Perino born?
Dana Perino was born in Evanston, Wyoming. She was raised primarily in Parker, Colorado, in the Denver metropolitan area.
What is Dana Perino known for?
She is best known for serving as the 26th White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009. She is also recognized as a co-host of The Five and co-anchor of America’s Newsroom on Fox News.
What books has Dana Perino written?
Her books include And the Good News Is… (2015), Let Me Tell You About Jasper (2016), and Everything Will Be Okay (2021). Her debut novel Purple State was published in April 2026 and became an instant New York Times bestseller.
The Bottom Line
Dana Perino’s journey from a small Wyoming town to the White House briefing room is one of Washington’s most inspiring stories. She built her path through debate scholarships, late-night radio shifts, and years of quiet, disciplined work in government communications.
She did not wait for opportunity. She prepared for it.
Furthermore, her post-White House career has shown remarkable range, from cable news anchor to bestselling novelist. Each chapter has built on the last, reflecting a genuine curiosity and work ethic that her audiences recognize immediately. Her story is proof that clarity of purpose, combined with consistent effort, can open doors that once seemed impossible.
Overall, Dana Perino remains one of the most respected and enduring figures in American political media. We hope you enjoyed reading about Dana Perino. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!