Chris Hayes
Born 1979 · Age 46
American political commentator, television news anchor, author, podcast host and editor-at-large known for hosting MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes and the podcast Why Is This Happening?
Compare Your Trajectory
See how your career milestones stack up against Chris Hayes and other industry leaders.
Life & Career Timeline
Born in the Bronx, New York City
Christopher Loffredo Hayes was born in the Bronx, NYC, to Roger and Geri Hayes.
Began attendance at Hunter College High School (approx.)
Attended Hunter College High School in New York City (classmates included Lin-Manuel Miranda and Immortal Technique).
Directed Lin-Manuel Miranda in first musical (high school)
While in school, Hayes directed Lin-Manuel Miranda in Miranda's first musical (high-school-era involvement in drama/production).
Graduated high school (approx.)
Approximate high-school graduation year (Hunter College High School); exact year not stated but inferred from birth year.
Met future wife Kate Shaw at Brown (approx.)
Hayes met Kate A. Shaw while both were undergraduates at Brown University.
Graduated Brown University (BA Philosophy)
Hayes graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 2001.
Started contributing to Chicago Reader
Beginning in August 2001 Hayes worked as a contributor to the Chicago Reader covering local and national politics; he did this for roughly four years.
Adjunct and teaching roles (approx.)
Worked as an adjunct professor of English at St. Augustine College in Chicago (years cited in bios largely 2008–2010, but teaching/adjunct work occurred during Chicago period).
Joined In These Times as senior editor
In late 2003 Hayes began a four-year stint at In These Times, a labor-focused monthly magazine, serving as a senior editor.
Schumann Center Writing Fellow at In These Times
Hayes was a Schumann Center Writing Fellow at In These Times from 2005 to 2006.
Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute
Hayes served as a Puffin Foundation Writing Fellow at The Nation Institute (2006–2007) and contributed to The Nation.
Married Kate A. Shaw
Hayes married Kate A. Shaw (a future law professor and ABC News Supreme Court contributor) on July 14, 2007.
Named Washington editor of The Nation
On November 1, 2007 Hayes was named Washington, D.C. editor of The Nation magazine, succeeding David Corn.
Bernard L. Schwartz fellow at New America Foundation; adjunct professor
From 2008 to 2010 Hayes was a Bernard L. Schwartz fellow at the New America Foundation and served as an adjunct professor of English at St. Augustine College in Chicago.
Reported extensively on the health-care 'public option' (Nation articles)
As Washington editor and contributor to The Nation Hayes wrote on progressive efforts to resuscitate the 'public option' during the 2009–2010 health-care debates.
Frequent guest host on other MSNBC shows
Hayes filled in on or guest-hosted shows including The Ed Show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell (approx. 2008–2012 period).
Guest-hosted The Rachel Maddow Show
Hayes guest-hosted The Rachel Maddow Show in July 2010 and became a frequent fill-in for Maddow thereafter.
Named to replace Keith Olbermann during suspension (MSNBC announcement)
On November 5, 2010 MSNBC announced Hayes would fill in for Keith Olbermann during Olbermann's suspension; the plan was later rescinded after discovery Hayes had made political contributions.
Became frequent guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers
Hayes is noted as the most frequent guest on Late Night with Seth Meyers (frequent guest appearances across 2010s).
MSNBC announced Hayes would host weekend morning show
On August 1, 2011 MSNBC announced Hayes would host a two-hour morning weekend show.
Premiere of Up with Chris Hayes
Up with Chris Hayes premiered on September 17, 2011; its first episode featured a live interview with Nancy Pelosi.
Birth of first child (reported: Ryan Elizabeth Shaw-Hayes)
A source (non-primary) reports first child Ryan Elizabeth Shaw-Hayes born November 2011. Wikipedia notes Hayes has three children but does not provide dates.
Appeared on Brooklyn Book Festival panel (image caption)
Photographs and captions show Hayes on a 2012 Brooklyn Book Festival panel (image in his profile).
Apologized on blog for 'hero' remarks
Following backlash to his Memorial Day comments, Hayes apologized on his blog and subsequently devoted program time to the discussion.
Profiled in national press as rising progressive journalist
By 2012 Hayes was widely profiled (New York Observer, LA Weekly, The New Republic) as an emerging progressive voice and television presence.
Controversial remarks on the word 'hero' regarding fallen service members
On Memorial Day weekend (May 27, 2012) Hayes said he was 'uncomfortable' applying the word 'hero' to fallen American servicemen, generating widespread controversy and discussion.
Published first book: Twilight of the Elites
Hayes' first book, Twilight of the Elites: America After Meritocracy, was published by Crown in June 2012.
Devoted show to aftermath of 'hero' remarks
On June 2, 2012 Hayes devoted part of his show to discussing his comments and the civilian–military disconnect.
Moved residence to New York City (show production)
Hayes and his family moved from Washington, D.C., to New York City where All In is produced.
Recognized as youngest prime-time host on major cable news
At 34, upon being given the 8 p.m. slot, Hayes became the youngest host of a prime-time show on any major U.S. cable-news channel.
MSNBC announced Hayes would take over 8 p.m. slot
On March 14, 2013, MSNBC announced Hayes would take over the prime-time 8 p.m. slot previously held by Ed Schultz.
Premiered All In with Chris Hayes (prime-time)
All In with Chris Hayes premiered on April 1, 2013, making Hayes (age 34) the youngest host of a prime-time show on major U.S. cable-news channels.
Birth of second reported child (reported: David Emanuel Shaw-Hayes)
A non-primary source reports a second child born in March 2014; Wikipedia confirms Hayes has three children but gives no dates.
All In with Chris Hayes wins Emmy Award
All In won an Emmy in 2015 for Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis (2015 Emmy win reported).
Appeared as host/anchor on various MSNBC specials and programs
Hayes hosted and appeared on multiple MSNBC specials and events through 2016, increasing his profile as a network anchor.
House purchase reported (source: secondary profile)
A secondary online profile claims Hayes purchased a New York City home in 2016 for ~$2.5M; this was used to support net worth estimates (low-confidence source).
Increased national profile; appearances on late-night and political programs
Hayes' high-profile appearances on late-night and political programs in 2015–2016 increased his national visibility (e.g., The Daily Show/Trevor Noah, Colbert appearances).
Hosted 'All In America' and other special programming
Hayes fronted MSNBC specials and event-driven programming (All In America specials, town halls and other network events through mid-late 2010s).
Published second book: A Colony in a Nation
Hayes' second book, A Colony in a Nation, about the U.S. criminal justice system, was published by W. W. Norton in March 2017.
Featured author at L.A. Times Festival of Books
In April 2017, Hayes was a featured author at the L.A. Times Festival of Books held at USC.
Featured at Brooklyn Book Festival
Hayes participated in the 2017 Brooklyn Book Festival as an author/participant.
Podcasts: first live taping marked growth of audio platform
The live podcast tapings in late 2018–early 2019 signaled Hayes' expansion into live events and monetizable podcast formats.
All In with Chris Hayes wins Emmy Award (second)
All In won a News & Documentary Emmy Award again in 2018 for Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis.
Launched podcast 'Why Is This Happening?'
In May 2018 Hayes launched a weekly MSNBC/NBC podcast, Why Is This Happening?, featuring long-form interviews with figures across politics and ideas.
Recorded first live episode of Why Is This Happening? with Ta-Nehisi Coates
The podcast's first live episode was recorded in November 2018 at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn with Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Public political registration reported
As of 2019 Hayes is reported to be a registered member of the Democratic Party.
Live podcast episode with Stacey Abrams
Hayes recorded a live Why Is This Happening? episode on February 24, 2019 featuring Stacey Abrams.
Publicly criticized Espionage Act charges against Julian Assange
Hayes criticized the U.S. government's decision to charge Julian Assange under the Espionage Act for publishing classified material, calling it a dangerous attack on press freedom.
Brother Luke Hayes served as campaign manager for Jamaal Bowman (family political ties)
Hayes' brother Luke Hayes served as campaign manager for Congressman Jamaal Bowman in 2020; Luke had earlier worked on Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns.
Appeared as host/producer on additional MSNBC specials and programs
Continued hosting and producing MSNBC specials and programs (e.g., town halls, live events) into the 2020s, maintaining profile as a lead anchor.
Net worth estimate (~2025)
Estimated net worth in January 2025 (source-based estimate) in the range of $5–6 million, reflecting longtime MSNBC salary, book royalties, podcast and appearances.
Published third book: The Sirens' Call
Hayes' third book, The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource, was published January 28, 2025 by Penguin Random House.
Key Achievement Ages
Explore what Chris Hayes and others achieved at these notable ages:
Similar Trajectories
Sophia Amoruso
Born 1984 · Age 41
American entrepreneur, founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss; bestselling author of #GIRLBOSS; built a fast‑fashion e‑commerce brand, experienced a high‑profile bankruptcy and pivoted to media and community building for millennial women.
Mark Zuckerberg
Born 1984 · Age 41
American computer programmer and entrepreneur; co‑founder, chairman and CEO of Facebook (now Meta Platforms); co‑founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Felienne Hermans
Born 1984 · Age 41
Dutch computer scientist focused on programming education and end-user computing (spreadsheets). Professor of Computer Science Education; creator of the Hedy teaching language; author of The Programmer's Brain; active MOOC author, speaker and outreach leader.
Ezra Klein
Born 1984 · Age 41
American political journalist, commentator, podcast host, co-founder of Vox, New York Times columnist and author of Why We're Polarized (2020) and Abundance (2025).
Joanna Stern
Born 1984 · Age 41
American technology journalist known for video and columns at The Wall Street Journal, formerly at Engadget and The Verge; Emmy and multiple Gerald Loeb award winner.
Dustin Moskovitz
Born 1984 · Age 41
American internet entrepreneur; co‑founder of Facebook (2004) and Asana (2008); cofounder of Good Ventures and Open Philanthropy; major tech investor and philanthropist.