From the White House press briefing room to the CNN anchor desk, Abby Phillip has steadily risen as one of America’s most trusted political journalists. Known for her sharp political analysis and calm on-air presence, Phillip isn’t just covering the nation’s biggest stories. She’s shaping how they’re told.
A Steady Climb Through Washington’s Media Ranks
Born on November 25, 1988, in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised in Bowie, Maryland, Abby Daniella Phillip is of Afro-Trinidadian descent. Her path to journalism wasn’t obvious from the start. She originally planned to study pre-med before shifting gears to government and political reporting.
Phillip graduated from Harvard University in 2010 with a degree in government, writing for The Harvard Crimson during her time there.
Her professional journey began at Politico, where she covered the Obama White House, campaign finance, and lobbying. She later joined ABC News as a digital reporter before moving to The Washington Post as a national political reporter.
In 2017, CNN brought Phillip on as a White House correspondent covering the Trump administration. Her steady, fact-driven coverage earned national recognition. By January 2020, she co-moderated CNN’s Democratic Presidential Debate in Iowa, cementing her status as one of the network’s rising stars.
Anchoring CNN NewsNight and Building a Trusted Brand
By 2021, Phillip had stepped into the anchor chair for Inside Politics Sunday. Her thoughtful, measured interview style made her a viewer favorite.
Then, in 2023, CNN overhauled its programming, naming Abby Phillip as the permanent host of CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET. The move marked her transition from senior political correspondent to full-time anchor.
While exact salary details aren’t public, her net worth is estimated in the seven-figure range, reflecting not just her on-air role but also her book deal for The Dream Deferred, which focuses on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential run.
Polished On-Air, Private Off-Camera — Is Abby Phillip Married?
Though Abby Phillip is constantly in front of the camera, she keeps her personal life intentionally private. She is married to cybersecurity consultant Marcus Richardson. The couple wed in May 2018 during an intimate ceremony in Washington, D.C., attended by close family and friends.
In August 2021, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Naomi Angelina Richardson. Her arrival was shared via Instagram, where Phillip wrote that Naomi’s middle name honors her late grandmother.
Now living in New York City with her husband, daughter, and their dog Booker T, Phillip balances a high-profile career with quiet family life. She occasionally shares glimpses of both on social media, but always with a polished, measured tone.
Recognition and Representation
Phillip’s rise isn’t just about career milestones—it’s about representation. As one of the few Black women anchoring a major nightly news program, she’s earned honors including the National Urban League’s Women of Power award and a spot on the Time 100 Next list in 2021.
She has also signed with United Talent Agency and continues work on her book project, while staying engaged with audiences both on-air and online.
A Role Model in Real Time
Whether moderating debates or breaking down election night results, Abby Phillip brings calm authority and sharp analysis to American television screens. Her story is still unfolding—but her presence sends a clear message: in today’s media landscape, the most trusted voices aren’t just the loudest. Sometimes, they’re the ones quietly leading from the front.