Abby Phillip Biography: Books, Education, Age, Net Worth, Husband, Wikipedia, Parents

Abby Phillip is one of the most visible political journalists on American television today — a Harvard graduate turned White House reporter and, more recently, the anchor of CNN’s prime-time program NewsNight with Abby Phillip.

Her reporting and on-air presence have made her a prominent voice on national politics and an influential figure in modern broadcast journalism

Profile

• Full Name: Abigail Daniella Phillip
• Born: November 25, 1988
• Age: 36 years (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Journalist, Television News Anchor, Political Correspondent
• Religion: Christian
• Parents: Carlos Phillip (father), June Phillip (mother)
• Spouse: Marcus Richardson (m. 2018)
• Children: 1 daughter (born August 2021)
• Net Worth: Approximately $1 million – $2 million (estimated)

Early life and background

Abigail Daniella Phillip was born on November 25, 1988, in Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up largely in Bowie, Maryland. She comes from an Afro–Trinidadian family and spent a portion of her childhood in Trinidad and Tobago before returning to the United States. Her parents — June and Carlos Phillip — shaped an upbringing rooted in education and community.

Education

Phillip attended Bowie High School and went on to Harvard College, where she graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. Initially enrolled as a pre-med student, she discovered a passion for journalism while writing for The Harvard Crimson, which set the stage for her professional pivot toward political reporting.

Early journalism career

After Harvard, Abby Phillip cut her teeth in political reporting at Politico, where she covered the Obama White House and focused on campaign finance and lobbying topics. She later worked as a national political reporter for The Washington Post and held digital reporting roles at ABC News, which helped broaden her reporting experience across platforms. These early roles built her expertise in campaign coverage and White House reporting.

Rise at CNN

Phillip joined CNN in 2017, initially covering the Trump administration as part of the network’s political reporting team. Over time she moved into higher-profile roles, serving as a White House correspondent and later anchoring Inside Politics Sunday. In August 2023 she was named the permanent host of CNN’s 10 p.m. ET hour with the show CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, a major step into prime-time anchoring.

Notable moments and moderating debates

One particularly high-profile moment in Phillip’s career was co-moderating CNN’s Democratic primary debate in January 2020. The event put her in the national spotlight — and drew intense public reaction, including criticism from certain quarters for her line of questioning. That debate underscored the influence and scrutiny that come with moderating major political forums.

Awards, recognition, and other projects

Abby Phillip has been recognized as a rising figure in journalism and has been featured by major outlets. In 2025 she released a book titled A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, which explores the political legacy of Jesse Jackson and the dynamics of Black political power in America. She has also signed with United Talent Agency for speaking and media engagements.

Personal life

Phillip lives in New York City with her husband, Marcus Richardson, a cybersecurity consultant. The couple married in May 2018 and welcomed their first child, a daughter, in August 2021. Phillip has mentioned her Maryland roots in interviews and retains ties to the community where she grew up. She is also an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Reporting style and reputation

Abby Phillip is known for sharp, direct interviews and a focus on policy detail. Her background in both digital and traditional reporting has given her a versatile skill set across platforms — long-form reporting, breaking news coverage, and televised interviews alike. While she has strong supporters who praise her clarity and rigor, she has also faced criticism typical of high-profile political journalists.

Impact and influence

As one of the prominent Black women in national political journalism, Phillip’s presence on screen is significant both in terms of representation and influence. Her reporting has helped shape public conversations around presidential politics, campaign strategy, and national policy. The move to prime-time anchoring further amplifies her voice during critical news cycles, including elections and national debates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where was Abby Phillip born?

She was born on November 25, 1988, in Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up in Bowie, Maryland.

Where did Abby Phillip go to college?

She graduated from Harvard College in 2010 with a BA in Government.

What shows does Abby Phillip host on CNN?

She has anchored Inside Politics Sunday and, since 2023, CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip.

Has Abby Phillip written any books?

Yes. In 2025 she published A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power.

Is Abby Phillip married and does she have children?

Yes. She married Marcus Richardson in May 2018 and they welcomed a daughter in August 2021.

Conclusion

Abby Phillip’s journey from Bowie, Maryland, to the anchor desk at CNN reflects a focused climb through the ranks of political journalism. With experience across Politico, The Washington Post, ABC News and CNN, she combines reporting depth with an authoritative on-air presence. Her shift to prime-time hosting and authorship of a major political book demonstrate that she is both chronicling and shaping national political conversations. Expect Abby Phillip to remain a key voice in political journalism for years to come.