Jessica Tarlov (born March 9, 1984) is an American political strategist for the Democratic Party who currently serves as co-host of The Five on Fox News.[1]
Background
Tarlov attended Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her B.A. degree in history. She went on to study at The London School of Economics and Political Science and received a Master of Science degree in public policy and administration, a Master of Research degree in political science, and a doctorate in political science and government. In 2008, she served as a research assistant for political analyst Douglas Schoen, and in 2012, returned to work as a political strategist under him.[2] Tarlov also worked on Boris Johnson's London mayoral campaign and served as head of research at Bustle.[3]
Career
Tarlov made her first appearance on Fox News in 2014, where she quickly worked her way in as a frequent guest. She has appeared on shows such as Hannity, Your World with Neil Cavuto, The Five, Outnumbered, Fox & Friends, Kennedy, Watters World and more.[4] She officially was named a contributor in 2017.[5]
In January 2022, she was named a co-host on The Five, where she serves as a rotating co-host alongside Harold Ford Jr.[5]
On March 28, 2024, it was reported that Tony Bobulinski was filing suit against Tarlov for $30 million after comments she made on TheFive regarding allegations that a Trump Super PAC was paying Bobulinki's legal bills, a claim that he denies. Tarlov made an on-air correction the day after making the allegations, stating "I have seen no indication those payments were made in connection with Mr. Bobulinski's legal fees and he denies that they were."[6]
Tarlov told the New York Times that her goals at Fox News include representing the majority of American voters (supposedly Democrats), while showing viewers that ideological foes can get along. She added that being on the "most-watched show" was a strategic move for her political career.[3]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tarlov began dating her next door neighbor, hedge fund executive Brian McKenna. She announced her engagement to McKenna on the Kennedy program on the Fox Business Network in April 2021.[7] The two married weeks later, and Tarlov gave birth to her daughter Cleo in December 2021.[8][2][9] On January 10, 2024, she announced on Fox News' The Five that she was expecting her second child, a girl, in April.[10] On April 15, Tarlov's daughter was born, named Teddy.[11]
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