Garrett Haake Biography: NBC News Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent, Age, Wife, Career, Why He Is Famous & Recent Works

Garrett Haake is a preeminent American broadcast journalist currently serving as the Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent for NBC News, where he has become one of the most recognizable faces in political reporting. Known for his tireless work ethic and ability to distill complex legislative maneuvers into digestible updates for a national audience, he has covered some of the most consequential moments in modern American history, from presidential campaigns to the January 6th Capitol riots. This Garrett Haake biography explores the life of a dedicated “road warrior” journalist who rose from a college newsroom to the very center of the American political machine.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Garrett Haake was born and raised in a family that valued education and civic engagement. Growing up in the United States, his early years were marked by a keen interest in how the world worked and a natural curiosity about the stories behind the headlines. While he keeps much of his early family life private, it is known that his parents encouraged his pursuit of a career in communication, recognizing his early talent for public speaking and writing.

School Years

During his formative years, Haake was an active student who gravitated toward subjects like history, government, and English. He was often involved in student media or debate, honing the skills that would eventually allow him to stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and deliver live reports under immense pressure. His ability to synthesize information quickly was a trait noted by his teachers even before he entered university.

University & Training

Haake attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, a prestigious institution known for its strong journalism program. At SMU, he was a standout student within the Meadows School of the Arts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a degree that provided the foundation for his future career. During his time at SMU, he was heavily involved in student-led news broadcasts, learning the technical aspects of television production alongside the editorial responsibilities of reporting. This hands-on training was vital, as it prepared him for the fast-paced nature of network news.

Career Journey

The career of Garrett Haake is a testament to the “ladder-climbing” reality of professional journalism. He did not become a senior correspondent overnight; rather, he spent years as a producer, a local reporter, and a campaign embed, building a reputation for reliability and deep sourcing.

Early Career and the “Road Warrior” Years

Haake’s professional journey began at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, where he worked as a desk assistant and researcher shortly after graduating from SMU. His big break came in 2011 when he was selected as one of NBC’s “Road Warriors” for the 2012 presidential election cycle. In this role, he was embedded with the Mitt Romney campaign. For months, Haake lived out of a suitcase, following the Republican nominee to every campaign stop, filing reports for all NBC platforms, and mastering the art of mobile journalism.

Transition to Local News and WUSA9

Following the 2012 election, Haake sought to sharpen his on-camera reporting skills by moving into local news. He joined WUSA9, the CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. This move was strategic; by covering local D.C. politics and community issues, he gained a more granular understanding of the region that serves as the heart of American power. During his time at WUSA9, he won multiple Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting and general assignment coverage, proving that he could handle both high-stakes politics and human-interest storytelling.

Return to NBC News and MSNBC

In 2017, Haake returned to the NBC News family, joining MSNBC as a correspondent. His return coincided with an incredibly volatile period in American politics. He was quickly assigned to the Capitol Hill beat, where he became a staple of MSNBC’s daytime and primetime programming. His ability to explain the nuances of Senate filibusters, House leadership battles, and the impeachment processes of the Trump era made him an indispensable asset to the network.

Promotion to Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent

By the early 2020s, Haake’s seniority was solidified. He was promoted to Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent, a title that reflects his status as one of the network’s lead voices on legislative affairs. He played a crucial role in the coverage of the January 6th Capitol attack, reporting live from the grounds as the events unfolded. In the years following, he has led the coverage of the razor-thin margins in the House and Senate, the multiple changes in House Speakership, and the legislative battles over infrastructure, debt ceilings, and foreign aid.

Career Stats & Key Coverage Milestones

Net Worth & Earnings

Garrett Haake’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $3 million as of 2025. This valuation is based on his lengthy tenure at a major news network and his status as a senior-level correspondent.

• Primary Income: His salary at NBC News is estimated to be in the range of $250,000 to $400,000 annually, consistent with senior correspondent roles at Tier-1 networks in the D.C. market.
• Real Estate: Haake and his wife, Allison Harris, own property in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the United States.
• Speaking Engagements: Like many prominent journalists, Haake is often invited to speak at universities and media conferences, which may provide additional revenue streams.

Personal Life

Family Background

While Garrett is a public figure, he keeps his extended family life relatively private. He is known to be close to his parents and often credits his Texas roots for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to interviewing politicians.

Relationships & Marriage

Garrett Haake has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sara Murray, a high-profile political correspondent for CNN. The couple married in 2011 but later divorced in 2017. Despite the split, both have remained prominent figures in the D.C. media circle.

In 2021, Haake married Allison Harris, who is also a journalist. Harris serves as a White House Correspondent for NewsNation. Their relationship is often cited as a “journalism power couple” dynamic, as both are frequently reporting on the same events from different angles.

Children

Garrett and Allison welcomed a daughter in recent years. Haake occasionally shares glimpses of his life as a father on social media, often joking about the balance between the chaotic schedule of a Capitol Hill reporter and the demands of parenting a toddler.

Hobbies & Lifestyle

Outside of the halls of Congress, Haake is an avid sports fan. Having spent significant time in Texas, he is a supporter of SMU athletics. He also enjoys outdoor activities and is known to be a “coffee aficionado,” a necessary trait for someone who often starts their workday at 5:00 AM for Morning Joe and ends it with late-night votes on the House floor.

Awards & Achievements

Garrett Haake’s mantle is decorated with awards that reflect his versatility as a journalist.

• Emmy Award (Multiple Wins) | Local News Reporting | 2014-2016: Won six regional Emmys during his tenure at WUSA9 for excellence in reporting and writing.
• Southern Methodist University Distinguished Alumni (Meadows School): Recognized for his contributions to the field of journalism.
• NBC News “Road Warrior” Distinction | 2012: One of the few journalists selected for the grueling year-long campaign embed assignment.

Physical Statistics

Garrett Haake maintains a professional and fit appearance, which is essential for the grueling physical demands of “stand-up” reporting where correspondents may stand for hours on end.

• Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 172 lbs (78 kg)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Brown
• Style: Known for his sharp, tailored suits and a collection of ties that have become a trademark of his on-air look.

Quotes

“In political reporting, you are only as good as your last source. The building (the Capitol) is full of secrets, and our job is to find the ones that affect people’s lives.” — Interview with SMU Magazine, 2022

“There is no substitute for being in the room where it happens, or at least standing right outside the door.” — MSNBC Behind the Scenes, 2023

Favorites

• Favorite City: Dallas, Texas (for the food and nostalgia).
• Favorite Sport: College Football.
• Hobby: Long-distance running.
• News Source: The Congressional Record (for factual accuracy).

Interesting Facts

• Six-Time Emmy Winner: Before becoming a national face, he dominated the local D.C. news awards circuit.
• The “Embed” Life: During the 2012 campaign, he reportedly traveled over 100,000 miles following the Romney campaign.
• Cross-Network Marriage: His wife works for NewsNation, and his ex-wife works for CNN, making his personal life a microcosm of the D.C. media landscape.
• Tech Savvy: He was one of the early adopters of using iPhones for professional broadcast filing during his early “Road Warrior” days.
• Texas Ties: Despite being a fixture in D.C., he remains a fiercely proud Texan and SMU Mustang.
• January 6th Witness: He was one of the few reporters who stayed on the Capitol grounds for the duration of the 2021 riot, providing continuous live updates.
• Coffee Habit: He is famously fueled by high-octane coffee to survive the 18-hour days common during government shutdowns.
• Documentary Work: He has contributed to several NBC documentaries regarding the inner workings of the U.S. Presidency.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Garrett Haake once won six Emmy awards in a very short period while working for a local D.C. station?
• Did you know Garrett was one of the first journalists to use a mobile-only setup to report for a major national network?
• Did you know Garrett’s wife, Allison Harris, often reports from the White House while he is simultaneously reporting from the Capitol?
• Did you know Garrett is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he was a standout in the journalism department?

Social Media

• Instagram: @garretthaake
• X (Twitter): @GarrettHaake
• Facebook: Garrett Haake NBC News
• LinkedIn: Garrett Haake

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Garrett Haake?
Garrett Haake was born on June 14, 1985. As of 2025, he is 39 years old and will turn 40 in June of 2025.

Q2: Who is Garrett Haake’s wife?
Garrett Haake is married to Allison Harris, a White House Correspondent for NewsNation. They married in September 2021. He was previously married to CNN’s Sara Murray.

Q3: What is Garrett Haake’s salary at NBC News?
While exact contracts are private, senior correspondents at NBC News typically earn between $250,000 and $400,000 per year, depending on their tenure and airtime.

Q4: Is Garrett Haake leaving NBC News?
As of late 2024 and early 2025, there are no official reports of Garrett Haake leaving NBC News. He remains their Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent.

Q5: Where did Garrett Haake go to college?
Garrett Haake attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated with a degree in Journalism.

CONCLUSION

Garrett Haake has solidified his place as one of the most trusted voices in American political journalism. His journey from an aspiring student in Texas to the Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent for NBC News is a story of persistence, adaptability, and a deep-seated respect for the fourth estate. As the United States moves into another complex election cycle and faces historical legislative challenges, Haake’s reporting will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, providing clarity in an often-turbulent political climate. Whether he is interviewing senators or reporting from the middle of a protest, his commitment to the facts remains his defining legacy.

Sources: NBC News Press Site, Southern Methodist University Alumni Records, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), Industry Salary Benchmarks.