Jeff Zeleny: CNN, Age, Gay, Husband, Nationality and Net Worth
Jeff Zeleny Biography & Wiki
Jeff Zeleny is an accomplished American journalist and television anchor who currently serves as CNN’s Senior Washington Correspondent, where he plays a key role in the network’s political coverage. He joined CNN in 2015 and has since reported extensively on Capitol Hill, the White House, and national elections. Zeleny previously worked at ABC News as its Senior Washington Correspondent, and before that, held prominent political reporting roles at The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune.
How Old is Jeff Zeleny? | Age and Birthday
Jeff Zeleny is 51 years old as of 2025. He was born on June 10, 1973, in Exeter, Nebraska, United States. He celebrates his birthday every year on June 10.
Education
Zeleny attended Exeter High School in his hometown of Exeter, Nebraska. During his teenage years, he began reporting on local sports for the York News-Times, showcasing his early passion for journalism. He later enrolled at the University of Nebraska, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science in 1996. While there, he served as editor of the student newspaper, the Daily Nebraskan.
Nationality and Ethnicity
He holds American nationality and is of White ethnicity. He was born and raised in Nebraska, firmly rooted in Midwestern values and culture.
How Tall is Jeff Zeleny? | Height and Body Measurements
He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches (1.83 meters) tall. He has not publicly disclosed additional body measurements.
Jeff Zeleny’s Family | Parents and Siblings
Jeff was born to Robert Dean Zeleny and Diane Naomi Zeleny. He grew up in a close-knit family in Nebraska alongside his two older brothers, Michael Jon Zeleny and James Robert Zeleny.
Is Jeff Zeleny Married? | Personal Life & Relationships
He is openly gay but has kept his romantic life private. He is not publicly known to be married or in a current relationship. Zeleny tends to keep his personal affairs away from the spotlight.
Jeff Zeleny Husband
Jeff Zeleny is openly gay, but he is extremely private about his personal life. As of 2025, there is no public record or confirmation that he has a husband or is in a publicly known relationship. While Zeleny has openly embraced his identity, he tends to keep romantic and family matters out of the public eye.
Jeff Zeleny Illness
As of now, there are no credible reports or disclosures about Jeff Zeleny suffering from any serious illness. He has continued to appear regularly on CNN broadcasts, contributing to political analysis and coverage without any visible health concerns.
Religion
Jeff Zeleny was raised in a Czech-American family in Nebraska, and although his heritage and upbringing reflect Midwestern values, he has not publicly spoken much about his religious beliefs. It is not widely known what religion he follows, if any.
Jeff Zeleny Gay
Yes, Jeff Zeleny is openly gay, and he has acknowledged his sexuality publicly. However, he has chosen to keep his private life discreet, rarely discussing details about relationships or dating. Zeleny is part of a growing number of journalists in major media who represent the LGBTQ+ community, contributing to greater visibility and representation in the field of political journalism.
Jeff Zeleny at CNN
Since joining CNN in 2015, Zeleny has served as a pivotal member of the network’s political reporting team. He previously worked as CNN’s White House Correspondent, covering the Trump administration and its influence on key political developments, including the 2018 midterm elections.
Zeleny has covered five U.S. presidential campaigns, traveling across the country and internationally with Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. His coverage of the 2016 presidential race, including the showdown between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, was widely recognized.
Before joining CNN, Zeleny held major reporting roles at ABC News, The New York Times, and The Chicago Tribune. At ABC, he focused on the Obama administration and the shifting dynamics in Congress during the 2014 midterm elections. During his tenure at The New York Times, he was the national political correspondent covering the 2008 and 2012 presidential races. He also previously reported for The Chicago Tribune, where he covered the 2004 presidential election and won a Pulitzer Prize with the Tribune team.
Jeff Zeleny Fired
As of 2025, he has not been fired from CNN. He continues to serve as a Senior Washington Correspondent for the network, playing a prominent role in covering U.S. politics, elections, and the White House. There have been no reports of disciplinary issues or terminations related to his role at CNN.
Jeff Zeleny’s Salary
As a senior journalist at CNN, Jeff Zeleny earns an estimated annual salary of $190,000 as of 2025.
Net Worth
With over two decades of experience in high-profile journalism roles, Zeleny has accumulated an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025.