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Alex Wagner

Alexandra Swe Wagner is an American journalist, television host, and author.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alexandra Swe Wagner is an American journalist, television host, and author. She has hosted and appeared on MSNBC programs, co-hosted Showtime's The Circus, and authored FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging.

Early life and education

Alexandra Swe Wagner was born on November 27, 1977, and grew up in Washington, D.C. She attended Brown University.

Career

Wagner has worked as a host and political analyst for MSNBC. She hosted Now with Alex Wagner from 2011 to 2015 and later hosted Alex Wagner Tonight from 2022 to 2025. She co-hosted The Circus on Showtime and was a senior editor at The Atlantic.

Books and writing

Wagner is the author of FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging, a memoir blending family history and identity. Her writing has also appeared in media and political commentary contexts.

Personal life

Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef and policy adviser. Public sources also note that she has children.

Key facts

  • Alex Wagner is an American journalist, television host, and author.
  • She hosted Now with Alex Wagner and Alex Wagner Tonight on MSNBC.
  • She co-hosted The Circus on Showtime.
  • She authored FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging.
  • She was a senior editor at The Atlantic.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alex Wagner?
Alex Wagner is an American journalist, television host, and author known for her work on MSNBC and Showtime.
What is Alex Wagner's full name?
Her full name is Alexandra Swe Wagner.
What TV programs has she hosted?
She hosted Now with Alex Wagner and Alex Wagner Tonight on MSNBC, and co-hosted The Circus on Showtime.
What book did she write?
She wrote FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging.
Where did Alex Wagner study?
She studied at Brown University.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Wagner
    Supports: Birth date, full name, occupation, MSNBC hosting roles, The Circus, and book title.
  2. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Alex+Wagner/409456
    Supports: Career overview, The Atlantic senior editor role, MSNBC hosting roles, and author credit.
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/alex-wagner/bio/3030694696/
    Supports: Birth name, Brown University education, early career notes, and biographical details.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4757938/bio/
    Supports: Career chronology, MSNBC hosting, Not On Our Watch, and personal life note.