Jessica Tarlov (born March 9, 1984) is an American political strategist. She is a Fox News contributor and co-host of The Five.
Tarlov also holds a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Who is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov is an American political strategist and television commentator. She works as a rotating co-host on Fox News’ The Five.
Tarlov represents a Democratic viewpoint on the panel. In fact, she is often described as one of the most vocal liberal voices on the network.
She joined Fox News as a contributor in 2017. Since then, her role has grown into a regular seat on cable news’ most-watched program.
Beyond television, Tarlov also hosts a podcast called Raging Moderates. She co-hosts the show with author and professor Scott Galloway.
Early Life of Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov was born on March 9, 1984, in New York City. She grew up in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan.
Her father, Mark Tarlov, worked as a film producer and attorney. Her mother, Judith Roberts, is a screenwriter.
Tarlov has a younger sister named Molly Tarlov. Molly became known for her acting role in MTV’s “Awkward.”
Growing up in a household connected to film and writing shaped her early interests. That environment later influenced her path toward research and political analysis.
Jessica Tarlov Age
Jessica Tarlov is 42 years old as of June 15, 2026, born on March 9, 1984. Their zodiac sign is Pisces.
She continues to serve as a regular co-host on The Five during this time. Her role on the program has remained steady throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Jessica Tarlov Ethnicity and Nationality
Jessica Tarlov is American. She was born and raised in New York City.
Her family background includes a mix of creative and professional careers. Both of her parents worked in film and writing, which shaped her upbringing in Manhattan.
She has spent most of her life and career based in the United States, aside from her years studying abroad in London.
Jessica Tarlov Education
Jessica Tarlov began her studies at Bryn Mawr College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. She graduated in 2006 and also served as president of the political science club.
She then moved to London to attend the London School of Economics and Political Science. There, she earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Administration in 2007.
The following year, Tarlov completed a Master of Research in Political Science at the same institution. By 2012, she had finished her PhD in Government and Political Science at LSE.
Her academic path combined American undergraduate study with advanced British postgraduate degrees. This background later supported her work as a pollster and political analyst.
Jessica Tarlov Career
Early Career
Tarlov began her professional path while still studying in London. In 2007, she worked as a project manager for Merrill Lynch, focused on EU-related activities.
During this period, she also worked on Boris Johnson’s 2008 London mayoral campaign. That same year, she served as a research assistant for political analyst Douglas Schoen.
Schoen, a longtime Fox News contributor, encouraged the network to put her on air. This connection later opened the door to her television career.
After finishing her doctorate, Tarlov became a senior strategist with Schoen Consulting. She advised domestic and international clients on messaging strategy for more than five years.
Major Positions Held
Tarlov made her first appearance on Fox News in 2014 as a guest contributor. She continued appearing periodically over the next few years.
In May 2017, Fox News signed her to a formal contributor role. At the time, she was also serving as Senior Director of Research at Bustle Digital Group.
Her work at Bustle Digital Group focused on research into millennial and Gen Z trends. She later rose to Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight for the company.
She balanced both roles for several years. This dual career gave her ongoing access to consumer research alongside her growing media presence.
Current Role
In early 2022, Tarlov became a regular rotating co-host on The Five, Fox News’ panel show. The program airs weekdays during prime viewing hours.
She has provided coverage throughout major political events, including the 2024 election cycle. Her commentary spanned primaries through Inauguration Day.
The Five became the first non-primetime program to rank as the top show in total viewers and the key demographic. Tarlov remained a constant presence on the panel during that period.
In 2024, she launched the podcast Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway. The show airs on the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Jessica Tarlov Awards and Recognition
In May 2024, Tarlov was named one of Variety’s Women of Impact. The recognition cited her political commentary across Fox News Media.
This award acknowledged her influence as a media figure. It also highlighted her role in shaping political discussion on a major network.
Tarlov has built her reputation through consistent on-air analysis rather than acting or entertainment awards. Her Variety honor remains her most prominent public recognition to date.
Jessica Tarlov Husband
Jessica Tarlov is married to Brian McKenna, a hedge fund executive. The couple met as neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
They began dating in March 2020. Tarlov announced their engagement on Fox Business Network’s Kennedy program in April 2021.
The couple married within weeks of that announcement. Despite her public career, Tarlov keeps most details of her marriage private.
Jessica Tarlov Children
Jessica Tarlov and Brian McKenna are parents to two daughters. Their first child, Cleo Markie McKenna, was born on December 11, 2021.
Their second daughter, Teddy Tarlov McKenna, arrived on April 11, 2024. Teddy weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces at birth.
Tarlov has shared occasional family photos on social media. She has spoken about balancing motherhood with her demanding television schedule.
Jessica Tarlov Net Worth
Jessica Tarlov’s estimated net worth is $4 million as of 2026. Her income comes primarily from her role at Fox News.
She also earns from her podcast Raging Moderates. Earlier consulting work at Schoen Consulting and Bustle Digital Group also contributed to her financial standing.
Her wealth has grown steadily over nearly two decades in media and political consulting.
Jessica Tarlov Social Media
Jessica Tarlov is active on Instagram at @jessicatarlov. She shares updates about her career and occasional family moments.
She also posts on X (Twitter), where she discusses political commentary and Fox News appearances. Her account remains one of her most active platforms.
Tarlov can also be found on Bluesky. She uses Substack as well for additional written commentary.
Her podcast, Raging Moderates, maintains its own channels across YouTube and other platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jessica Tarlov’s role at Fox News?
Jessica Tarlov is a co-host of The Five and a political contributor on Fox News.
How old is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov is 42 years old as of June 2026, born on March 9, 1984.
What is Jessica Tarlov’s net worth?
Jessica Tarlov’s net worth is estimated at $4 million as of 2026.
Where did Jessica Tarlov study?
Tarlov studied at Bryn Mawr College and later earned a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Who is Jessica Tarlov married to?
Jessica Tarlov is married to Brian McKenna, a hedge fund executive, since 2021.
What awards has Jessica Tarlov won?
Tarlov was named one of Variety’s Women of Impact in May 2024.
The Bottom Line
Jessica Tarlov became a regular co-host of The Five in early 2022, joining one of cable news’ highest-rated programs. In May 2024, Variety named her one of its Women of Impact for her political commentary.
Tarlov earned a PhD from the London School of Economics after starting out at Bryn Mawr College. She grew up in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood as the daughter of a film producer and a screenwriter.
She now co-hosts the podcast Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway on the Vox Media Podcast Network. Tarlov continues to balance her on-air career with raising her two daughters, Cleo and Teddy.
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