If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you've probably seen the name Van Jones floating around next to some pretty big celebrity names. People are obsessed with who the CNN commentator is dating. Is it a secret A-lister? Is he back with his ex? Honestly, the truth about a potential Van Jones girlfriend is way more interesting—and a lot more modern—than the tabloid rumors suggest.
While the gossip mill loves to link him to every high-profile woman he stands next to, the reality of his personal life in 2026 is built on a very specific, intentional foundation. He isn't following the traditional "Hollywood dating" script. Instead, he’s basically rewriting the rules of what a family looks like.
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The Noemi Zamacona Connection: More Than a Rumor?
Here is where people get tripped up. If you look at who is most consistently in Van’s life, you’ll find Noemi Zamacona. For years, fans have wondered if she is the "secret" Van Jones girlfriend.
But if you ask Van, he’ll tell you they aren't "dating" in the way we usually think about it. They are conscious co-parents. Back in early 2022, they welcomed a daughter together, and more recently, in 2024, they added a baby boy to the mix. It’s a "modern arrangement" that basically broke the internet when he first announced it. They weren't a romantic couple; they were two friends who both wanted children and decided to "join forces."
It's a concept he’s been very vocal about. He calls it a "special time for our families" and openly hopes more people consider this kind of partnership. So, while she isn't his girlfriend in the traditional sense, she is arguably the most important partner in his life right now. They share a deep passion for criminal justice reform, which is actually how they met years ago.
What Really Happened With the Kim Kardashian Rumors
You can’t talk about a Van Jones girlfriend without mentioning the Kim Kardashian era. This rumor was everywhere. It was the "best rumor ever," according to Van himself.
The two were working closely together on prison reform—specifically through his nonprofit, Dream Corps (formerly #cut50). Because they were spotted together at events and shared a common goal, the internet decided they must be a secret item.
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Kim actually addressed this during a Keeping Up With The Kardashians reunion, laughing it off. Van even joked that the rumor got him "so many dates" because suddenly every woman thought he was cool enough to date a Kardashian. They were never a couple. They were just two people using their platforms to get people out of prison.
Other Names Linked to Jones
- Noa Tishby: Another name that has popped up in search queries. Similar to Kim, Tishby and Jones have a professional and activist-based friendship that often gets misconstrued by fans looking for a romantic angle.
- Jana Carter: His ex-wife. They were married for 14 years before splitting in 2018. They still describe each other as best friends and are fully committed to raising their two sons together. There is "no beef or drama," just what they call "evolution."
The Reality of Conscious Co-Parenting
So, if there isn't a singular, high-profile Van Jones girlfriend to report on, what is he actually doing? He’s living out a philosophy.
After the COVID-19 lockdowns, Van realized he wanted more children. He discovered Noemi wanted the same. They didn't feel the need to fall in love or get married to provide a stable, loving home for a child. This "modern family" includes:
- His two adult-aged sons from his marriage to Jana Carter.
- His young daughter with Noemi.
- His young son with Noemi.
It’s a big, blended, unconventional group. He’s been very clear about asking for privacy while they navigate this, but he also hasn't hidden the joy it brings him. He told People magazine that their "modern family is thriving" and that his daughter loves her little brother almost "too much."
Why We Are So Obsessed With His Dating Life
We like boxes. We like to say, "This is his wife" or "This is his girlfriend." When someone like Van Jones—a public figure who is constantly on our TV screens—chooses a path that doesn't fit those boxes, it creates a vacuum for rumors.
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The interest in a Van Jones girlfriend persists because he remains one of the most eligible and articulate men in the public eye. But his focus seems to be entirely elsewhere. Between his work on CNN, his various nonprofits, and raising four children across two different household dynamics, there probably isn't a lot of time for "swiping right."
Actionable Insights for the "Modern Family"
If you're following Van's story because you're interested in unconventional family structures yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind based on the "conscious co-parenting" model he uses:
- Shared Values are Key: Van and Noemi didn't just pick each other out of a hat; they worked together on social justice for years. If you're considering a non-traditional parenting partnership, ensure your core values align perfectly.
- Communication Over Romance: In this model, the "contract" isn't a marriage certificate—it's a commitment to the child. It requires a higher level of logistical communication than most traditional marriages.
- Acknowledge the Evolution: Relationships change. Van and his ex-wife Jana are a masterclass in this. They transitioned from a marriage to a business and parenting partnership without the public vitriol common in celebrity divorces.
- Check the Facts: Before believing a "new girlfriend" headline, check if the person is just a colleague. In Van's world, a woman by his side is almost always a lawyer, an activist, or a fellow producer.
The story of Van Jones’ love life isn't a tale of secret romances. It’s a story about a guy who decided that "traditional" wasn't the only way to be happy. Whether he eventually finds a long-term romantic partner or continues focusing on his co-parenting teams, he’s definitely proving that the definition of family is a lot broader than we used to think.