When you wake up with ABC 7 Eyewitness News in Chicago, you’re basically inviting Tanja Babich into your living room every single morning. She has that rare mix of sharp journalistic authority and the kind of warmth that makes you feel like she actually cares about the traffic report. But as with any public figure who feels like a friend, people get curious. Specifically, they want to know about the person standing behind the scenes. So, who is Tanja Babich husband?
The answer isn't just a name; it’s a story about a modern blended family and a connection to some pretty heavy-hitting political circles in Illinois. Honestly, if you've seen the headlines, you might have heard a few different things. Let’s set the record straight.
The Man Behind the Anchor: Paul Durbin
Tanja Babich is married to Paul Durbin. If that last name sounds familiar to anyone living in the Land of Lincoln, it should. Paul is the son of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, the long-serving Illinois Democrat.
They tied the knot back in July 2018. It wasn't some flashy, over-the-top Hollywood-style production, but it was definitely a significant moment for the couple. They celebrated their nuptials with a ceremony that reflected their shared values. Since then, Paul has been a steady presence in Tanja's life, often mentioned in the context of their busy, "firing on all cylinders" lifestyle.
Why the Name Sometimes Confuses People
You might occasionally see the name Paul Maganzini floating around in older internet corners or social media threads. This is where things get a bit messy with public records and "people search" sites that don't always update in real-time.
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However, the verified information from career profiles and local Chicago reporting confirms her marriage to Paul Durbin. In fact, back in 2019, there was a bit of a local media stir regarding "family ties" in the newsroom. Some critics pointed out that several ABC 7 employees had connections to politicians. At the time, the station's general manager, John Idler, was very clear: Tanja was hired on her own merit years before she ever married into the Durbin family. She joined the station in 2014; she married Paul in 2018. The math checks out.
Building a Life in the Windy City
Tanja’s journey to finding her partner in Chicago wasn't a straight line. She’s been very open about her "rare jump" in the TV business. She moved from Syracuse, New York (the 85th largest market) to Chicago (the 3rd largest) on New Year’s Eve in 2014.
At the time, she was a newly single mom. She arrived in a freezing Chicago winter with two toddlers in tow and a massive career opportunity in front of her. That’s a lot of pressure. Finding a partner like Paul who, as she puts it, "indulges her propensity for firing on all cylinders," was a game-changer.
A House Full of Daughters
The Durbin-Babich household is a busy one. Together, they navigate the chaos of raising three girls.
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- Adelaide and Lola: Tanja’s two daughters from her previous relationship.
- Josephine (Joey): The youngest daughter, who arrived in May 2019.
It’s a classic modern family setup. Tanja often shares glimpses of their life, from the challenges of finding childcare for a morning news schedule to the heartwarming moments of sisterhood. You might remember the viral moment in 2020 when Tanja wore her glasses on air. One of her daughters was feeling self-conscious about her new spectacles, so Tanja decided to show her—and the rest of Chicago—that wearing glasses is actually pretty cool. That’s the kind of mom she is, and Paul is right there in the mix, sharing her love for travel, food, and fitness.
What Paul Durbin Does
While Tanja is the one in front of the camera, Paul tends to keep a lower profile. He isn't a "media personality" in the traditional sense. Instead, he’s carved out a career that stays largely out of the tabloid spotlight.
Given his family background, people often assume he’s deeply entrenched in the political machine. While he certainly understands that world, his day-to-day life revolves around his family and his professional interests in Chicago. He’s been described by Tanja as someone who shares her high-energy approach to life. Whether they are exploring new restaurants in the city or staying active, they seem to be a high-functioning team.
Managing the Public Eye
Being the wife of a high-profile news anchor—and the daughter-in-law of a major U.S. Senator—comes with a certain level of scrutiny. Tanja and Paul seem to handle this with a lot of grace. They don't over-share, but they don't hide either.
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Addressing the "Nepotism" Myths
It’s worth circling back to this because it’s the one thing people get wrong most often. Critics sometimes try to link Tanja’s success to her marriage. But the timeline is the most important evidence here.
- 2014: Tanja arrives at ABC 7 Chicago.
- 2016: She moves to the morning anchor desk.
- 2018: She marries Paul Durbin.
She had already conquered the Chicago market and established herself as a powerhouse journalist before the Durbin name was part of her personal life. That distinction matters.
What This Means for Viewers
Understanding the support system behind a journalist like Tanja Babich actually adds a bit of depth to her reporting. When she talks about parenting struggles or the cost of childcare, she’s speaking from the experience of a working mom in a blended family. She’s living the same Chicago life as her viewers, just with a much earlier wake-up call.
If you’re looking to follow her journey or see more of her family life, she’s quite active on social media platforms like Instagram. You’ll see the occasional "dad" post featuring Paul, usually centered around a family outing or a holiday.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Verify the Timeline: If you hear rumors about "political hires," check the dates. Tanja’s career success preceded her marriage by several years.
- Support the Mission: Tanja is heavily involved in Illinois Action for Children and HFS Chicago Scholars. If you like her work, looking into these organizations is a great way to see what she cares about outside the newsroom.
- Blended Family Inspiration: Her story is a great example of successfully navigating a "second chapter" in life, moving cities as a single parent, and building a strong, supportive partnership.
The "mystery" of Tanja Babich husband isn't really a mystery at all—it's just a story of a Chicago couple doing their best to raise three daughters while one of them happens to be the face of morning news.