It is funny how we watch the same faces on our television screens every single night, yet we barely know the basics about them. You see her leading the charge on CNN NewsNight, dissecting the latest political firestorm with a calm that most of us couldn't muster during a minor traffic jam. But the question keeps popping up in group chats and search bars: how old is Abby Phillip?
People are naturally curious. Maybe it’s because she has that rare "old soul" energy while clearly being part of a younger generation of media heavyweights. Or maybe it’s just the fact that she’s accomplished more by her mid-thirties than most people do in an entire lifetime. Honestly, the answer isn't a state secret, but her journey to this point makes that number a lot more interesting.
The Numbers: Abby Phillip's Age and Birthday
Let's get right to it without the fluff. Abby Phillip is 37 years old. She was born on November 25, 1988. If you are into astrology, that makes her a Sagittarius—which actually explains a lot about her adventurous career path and that blunt, truth-seeking style she’s known for. She was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but her roots stretch much further than the D.C. suburbs.
Her parents, June and Carlos Phillip, are of Afro-Trinidadian descent. Her dad was a teacher and later an educational psychologist, and her mom eventually became a realtor. There was a brief period during her childhood when the family moved back to Trinidad and Tobago, but they returned to the U.S. when Abby was about nine. They eventually settled in Bowie, Maryland, where she grew up as one of six children.
Imagine that household for a second. Six kids. You’ve basically got to be an expert negotiator just to get the last slice of pizza. That kind of environment probably groomed her for the chaotic world of political reporting better than any classroom ever could.
A Career That Outpaces Her Years
When you look at the timeline, the reason people keep asking "how old is Abby Phillip" is that her resume looks like it belongs to someone who has been in the game for forty years. She didn't just stumble into a prime-time slot.
The Harvard Pivot
Most people don't know that Abby didn't head to Harvard University with the goal of becoming the next big name in news. She was actually pre-med. She thought she was going to be a doctor.
But then, the Harvard Crimson happened.
Working on the school paper changed everything. She realized that while medicine is noble, her real passion was in the "speed and urgency" of reporting. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. Think about that: she entered the workforce right as the media landscape was being completely dismantled and rebuilt by social media.
From Print to Prime Time
She didn't start at the top. She ground it out.
- Politico: She started here covering the Obama White House and campaign finance. This was the "adrenaline rush" phase.
- ABC News: She did a stint as a digital reporter and fellow.
- The Washington Post: This was where she really started to become a household name for political junkies. She covered the Trump administration and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
- CNN: She made the jump to TV in 2017.
By the time she co-moderated the 2020 Democratic presidential debate, she was only 31. Think back to what you were doing at 31. For most of us, it wasn't holding the most powerful people in the country accountable on a global stage.
Why Her Age Matters in 2026
In today's media environment, there is a massive shift happening. We are moving away from the "voice of God" style of news anchors from the 80s and 90s. Viewers want someone who feels real.
Abby Phillip represents a bridge. She has the traditional, rigorous background of a print reporter (thanks to the Post and Politico), but she’s young enough to understand the digital-first world. She is 37, which puts her right in that sweet spot—old enough to have significant experience across multiple administrations, but young enough to be "clued in" to how younger generations consume information.
Personal Milestones
Life hasn't just been about the 24-hour news cycle. In May 2018, she married Marcus Richardson, a cybersecurity consultant. They had a beautiful wedding at the Larz Anderson House in D.C.
Then, in August 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Naomi Angelina Richardson. Balancing a nightly show on a major network with a toddler at home? That is the real heavy lifting. It adds a layer of relatability to her. When she talks about policy or the economy, you know she’s looking at it through the lens of a parent, not just a pundit.
The "Dream Deferred" and Her Literary Mark
One of the most impressive things she’s done recently—aside from anchoring—is her work as an author. Her book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power, was released in late 2025.
Writing a definitive historical and political biography while hosting a nightly show is, frankly, exhausting to even think about. It shows that she isn't just interested in the "tweet of the day." She’s interested in the long arc of history.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume she’s older because of her poise. On-air, she rarely gets rattled. Even when she was famously interrupted during various high-stakes panels, she maintained a level of decorum that felt very "veteran anchor."
But that's the thing: she is a veteran now. Age is just a number, sure, but in journalism, "miles on the road" matter more. She’s covered the massacres in Charleston and San Bernardino. She’s been in the room for First-Family overseas trips. She’s moderated debates that changed the course of elections.
Actionable Takeaways: What You Can Learn from Abby’s Trajectory
If you’re looking at Abby Phillip’s age and career and feeling a bit behind, don't. Instead, look at the "how" behind her "what."
- Don't be afraid of the pivot. She walked away from a "safe" pre-med track at Harvard because she found something she loved more.
- The "Grind" is necessary. She didn't start at the anchor desk. She started by writing blog posts about campaign finance.
- Expertise takes time, but intensity counts. She’s 37, but she packed 20 years of experience into 15 by always being where the news was "hottest."
- Diversify your skills. She didn't just stay in print; she learned TV. She didn't just stay on TV; she wrote a book.
Final Thoughts on Abby Phillip
So, how old is Abby Phillip? She's 37. But more importantly, she's a reminder that the "traditional" path to the top has changed. It's no longer about waiting your turn for thirty years. It's about being the most prepared person in the room, regardless of when you were born.
If you want to follow her journey more closely, the best thing you can do is watch her evolution on CNN NewsNight. It’s a masterclass in how to transition from a "reporter" to a "voice of authority." You can also check out her recent book to see how she handles deep-dive historical analysis, which is a far cry from the quick-hit world of cable news.
Stay tuned to her coverage of the upcoming election cycles, as her role only seems to be expanding as she enters what many consider the "prime" years of a broadcast career.