Mary Katharine Ham Biography: Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Career at CNN News
Mary Katharine Ham is a renowned American journalist, political commentator, and author, best known for her insightful analysis on CNN News and her influential voice in national media. Recognized for her dynamic reporting and balanced viewpoints, Ham has become a prominent figure in political journalism, captivating audiences with her expertise and engaging presence.

Quick Facts
Full Name | Mary Katharine Ham |
Profession / Occupation | Journalist, Political Commentator, Author |
Birth Date | April 5, 1980 |
Age | 45 years (as of September 2025) |
Birth Place | Montgomery, Alabama, USA |
Nationality | American |
Famous For | Political Commentary, CNN News Appearances, Authorship |
Known For | Insightful Analysis, Media Appearances, Bestselling Author |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Height & Weight | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) / 121 lbs (55 kg) |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Education | University of Georgia (B.A.) |
Religion | Christian |
Marital Status/Spouse | Married (Steven Ham, m. 2020; Widowed from Jake Brewer, 2015) |
Relationship | Not publicly disclosed |
Children | Two daughters |
Relatives | Private |
Hobbies | Running, Writing, Outdoor Activities |
Employer/Organization | CNN, The Federalist, Townhall |
Years Active | 2004–present |
Net Worth (Estimated) | $3–5 million USD |
Early Life & Education
Mary Katharine Ham was born on April 5, 1980, in Montgomery, Alabama. Raised in a family passionate about public affairs and communication, she developed an early interest in storytelling and current events. Ham attended the University of Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Her formative years were marked by a keen curiosity about politics and media, which set the foundation for her future career.
Career Journey
Beginnings in Journalism
Ham launched her journalism career in the early 2000s, contributing to local newspapers and online platforms. Her sharp writing and fresh perspective quickly garnered attention.
Rise to Prominence
- Joined Townhall.com as a columnist and video blogger, where her unique “HamNation” video series won a Golden Dot Award for Best Vlog of 2006.
- Contributed to The Washington Examiner and The Federalist, focusing on political analysis and media critique.
- Published in national outlets, including The Weekly Standard and USA Today.
Major Milestones
- Regular contributor and political commentator on Fox News and later CNN News.
- Authored the bestselling book End of Discussion, co-written with Guy Benson.
- Recognized for her balanced approach and willingness to address contentious topics with nuance.
Recent Activity & Current Position
- Senior writer at The Federalist and contributing editor at Townhall.
- Frequent panelist and guest on CNN News, offering analysis on U.S. politics and media trends.
- Active speaker at journalism conferences and university events.
Career Stats & Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in political journalism.
- Multiple awards for digital innovation and commentary.
- Millions of viewers and readers across TV, print, and digital media.
Personal Life
Mary Katharine Ham has faced both triumph and tragedy in her personal life. She was married to Jake Brewer, a White House staffer, until his untimely passing in 2015. In 2020, she remarried Steven Ham. Mary is a devoted mother to two daughters and is known for her resilience and positive outlook. Outside of journalism, she enjoys running, hiking, and participating in community events. Ham often shares glimpses of her family life and outdoor adventures on social media.
Awards & Achievements
- Golden Dot Award for Best Vlog (2006, “HamNation”)
- Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Blogger of the Year (2014)
- New York Times Bestselling Author (End of Discussion)
- Featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in Media (2009)
- Multiple digital media innovation awards
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
- Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Hazel
Quotes
- “Honest debate is the foundation of a healthy democracy.“
- “Staying curious and open-minded is the key to good journalism.“
- “We need more conversations and fewer shouting matches.“
Controversies
Mary Katharine Ham has occasionally been at the center of public debates, particularly regarding her stances on media bias and political polarization. In 2017, she was briefly suspended from CNN due to comments made on social media, but she returned after clarifying her position. Ham is widely respected for maintaining professionalism and promoting civil discourse, even when addressing controversial topics.
Favorites
- Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Food: Southern barbecue
- Movie: The American President
- Hobby: Running and outdoor adventures
- Vacation Spot: Blue Ridge Mountains
Salary & Net Worth
Mary Katharine Ham‘s estimated salary as a CNN contributor and writer ranges between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, according to industry benchmarks. Her total net worth is estimated at $3–5 million as of 2025, accumulated through her media career, book sales, and speaking engagements.
Interesting Facts
- Mary is an avid marathon runner and has participated in several charity races.
- She is a passionate advocate for media literacy and civil discourse.
- Ham maintains a popular podcast discussing current events and culture.
- She once appeared as a guest judge on a political debate TV show.
- Mary is known for her humorous takes on political life and pop culture.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @mkhammer (over 200K followers)
- Instagram: @mkhammer
- Facebook: Mary Katharine Ham
- LinkedIn: Mary Katharine Ham
- YouTube: Mary Katharine Ham Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Mary Katharine Ham?
She is 45 years old as of September 2025. - Who is Mary Katharine Ham’s husband?
She was married to Jake Brewer (until his passing in 2015) and later married Steven Ham in 2020. - What is Mary Katharine Ham’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $3–5 million as of 2025. - What is Mary Katharine Ham known for?
She is known for her political commentary on CNN News, bestselling books, and digital journalism innovation. - Where did Mary Katharine Ham go to college?
She attended the University of Georgia. - Is Mary Katharine Ham active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Conclusion
Mary Katharine Ham’s career as a journalist and commentator has made a significant impact on American media. Her balanced reporting, engaging personality, and resilience continue to inspire audiences nationwide. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others who may be interested in her story!
Sources: CNN, The Federalist, Townhall, New York Times, Forbes, University of Georgia, USA Today, LinkedIn.