Jessica Tarlov, a prominent liberal voice on cable news, has built a successful career in media and politics. Born on March 9, 1984, in New York City, Tarlov grew up in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. Her father, Mark Tarlov, was a film producer and attorney, while her mother, Judith Roberts, is a screenwriter. Tarlov's sister, Molly Tarlov, is an actress known for her role in MTV's Awkward. Tarlov earned a BA in history from Bryn Mawr College in 2006 and a PhD in political science from the London School of Economics in 2012.
Tarlov began her career in 2007 as a project manager at Merrill Lynch, specializing in political and economic research. She later worked as a research assistant for political analyst Douglas Schoen and became his political strategist. Tarlov also served as a graduate teaching assistant at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her experience in research and academia laid the groundwork for her future roles in media and politics.
Tarlov's journey in media and politics gained momentum in 2012 when she worked as a communications and digital strategist for Boris Johnson's re-election campaign for Mayor of London. She focused on social media strategy and produced content for the BackBoris2012 website. Tarlov then led a six-person research team at Douglas Schoen LLC, overseeing publications and advising international clients on messaging strategies.
Tarlov's Fox News career began in 2014 as a political analyst offering liberal-perspective analysis. She became a Fox News contributor in 2017 and joined The Five as a co-host in 2022. Tarlov has also appeared on Hannity, Fox & Friends, and Cavuto Live. In addition to her work on Fox News, Tarlov co-hosts the podcast Raging Moderates alongside Scott Galloway.
Tarlov's personal life has also garnered attention. She was previously married to Roman Kuznetsov, a Russian professional Taekwondo athlete, from 2009 or 2014 until their divorce in 2019. Tarlov met her current husband, Brian McKenna, a hedge fund executive, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple married in May 2021 and have two daughters: Cleo Markie McKenna, born in December 2021, and Teddy Tarlov McKenna, born in April 2024.
According to Celebrity Net Worth and Market Realist, Jessica Tarlov's net worth is estimated between $3.5 million and $4 million as of 2026. Her annual salary at Fox News reportedly ranges from $900,000 to $2 million, derived from her co-hosting duties on The Five and political commentary contributions. Tarlov's sources of income also include previous consulting income, speaking engagements, and book advance and royalties from I Disagree (2026).
Tarlov's rise to prominence in media and politics is a testament to her expertise and hard work. With a new three-year contract signed in September 2026, Tarlov is set to continue her role as a co-host on The Five and contribute to Fox News. Her estimated net worth and annual salary reflect her success as a political strategist, consultant, and analyst.
Key points
- Jessica Tarlov's net worth is estimated between $3.5 million and $4 million as of 2026.
- Tarlov's annual Fox News salary reportedly ranges from $900,000 to $2 million.
- Tarlov has co-hosted Fox News' The Five since 2022 and signed a new three-year contract in September 2026.
