Nicolle Wallace (born February 4, 1972) is a prominent American television political commentator and bestselling author.

She currently anchors MSNBC’s Deadline: White House, a highly rated news and politics program, and is a respected political analyst for both MSNBC and NBC News.

Previously, Wallace co-hosted the popular ABC daytime talk show The View, where she became a familiar face in American households.

Early Life and Education of Nicolle Wallace

Born Nicolle Devenish in Orange County, California, Wallace grew up in Orinda, a suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area.

She comes from a diverse background with Greek heritage and was raised by her parents Veronica and Clive Devenish.

Nicolle graduated from Miramonte High School in 1990 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of California, Berkeley in 1994.

She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 1996.

Political Career: From California to the White House

Wallace’s political career began in California politics, working for Republican Assemblyman Scott Baugh. In 1999, she moved to Florida to become press secretary for Governor Jeb Bush and later served as Communications Director for the Florida State Technology Office. Notably, Wallace was involved in the highly contentious 2000 Florida election recount.

White House Communications Director Under George W. Bush

Nicolle Wallace joined the White House during President George W. Bush’s first term. She served as special assistant to the president and director of media affairs, before becoming the Communications Director for Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign.

In 2005, Wallace was appointed White House Communications Director, where she focused on improving the administration’s press relations and communication strategy. Her tenure was marked by efforts to foster a more transparent relationship with the media.

Senior Advisor for John McCain’s 2008 Presidential Campaign

Wallace played a key role as a senior advisor during John McCain’s 2008 presidential run. She was the campaign’s primary spokesperson and defended the campaign on numerous national news programs. Wallace gained recognition for her political savvy and communication skills during this high-profile campaign.

Nicolle Wallace: Author of Political Novels

In addition to her media and political work, Nicolle Wallace is an accomplished author. She wrote the political thriller novels Eighteen Acres, It’s Classified, and Madam President — all set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., and inspired by her firsthand experience in politics and the White House.

Eighteen Acres offers a fictional look into the lives of powerful women navigating the complexities of the White House.

It’s Classified explores a fictional presidential campaign and touches on mental health issues within politics.

Madam President envisions a female president’s administration navigating crises.

Her novels have been praised by critics and political commentators alike for their insight and gripping storytelling.

Television Career: From The View to MSNBC

Wallace joined ABC’s The View as a co-host in 2014 but departed after one season. She soon became a political analyst for MSNBC and NBC News, appearing regularly on shows such as Morning Joe, The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, and Today.

Since 2017, she has anchored Deadline: White House on MSNBC, a program that analyzes political news with a focus on the White House and current administration. The show quickly grew in popularity and was expanded due to its success.

Personal Life

Nicolle Wallace married businessman and former diplomat Mark Wallace in 2005, with whom she has one son. The couple divorced in 2019. In 2022, Wallace married journalist Michael S. Schmidt, and in 2023, they welcomed a daughter via surrogate.

Wallace has been vocal about her evolving political views, describing herself as a “self-loathing former Republican” and publicly supporting causes such as same-sex marriage legalization.