Vicki Gunvalson doesn't do anything halfway. If she’s working, she’s the "OG of the OC" building an insurance empire. If she’s partying, she’s shouting "whoop it up" from the back of a tequila bar in Puerto Vallarta. And if she’s loving? Well, that’s where things usually get complicated. For years, fans watched her "love tank" fluctuate like a volatile stock market through marriages to Donn Gunvalson and a series of high-profile, often disastrous, relationships. But as we move into 2026, the question of who is Vicki Gunvalson dating has a much more stable answer than it did during the chaotic Brooks Ayers or Steve Lodge eras.
The man currently keeping Vicki’s love tank topped off is Michael Smith.
Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air for those of us who have followed her journey since Season 1. Michael isn't a reality TV fame-seeker. He isn't trying to run for Governor of California like her ex-fiancé Steve Lodge. He’s a Texas-based businessman who seems to actually like Vicki for Victoria Steinmetz, not just the Bravo caricature. They've been together since early 2022, and by the looks of things in 2026, they are more serious than ever.
Who is Michael Smith and How Did They Meet?
You can thank Kelly Dodd for this one. In a classic "Real Housewives" twist, it was the controversial former castmate who played matchmaker. Kelly introduced Vicki to Michael at an event in early 2022, right as Vicki was picking up the pieces from her very public and very messy split with Lodge.
Michael is a businessman with deep roots in Texas. Unlike Vicki’s previous partners, he has been notably private. He doesn't post constant "look at me" updates on Instagram. In fact, in the early days of their dating, Vicki kept him mostly off the grid. She’d post a photo of a hand, a back of a head, or a shadowy figure at dinner. It was a strategic move. After the world scrutinized every inch of her relationship with Brooks—the man who famously faked cancer—Vicki learned the hard way that sometimes privacy is the best protection.
Life in the "New" Normal
The couple hit a massive milestone in late 2025. They bought a house together. This isn't just some rental or a temporary setup; they purchased a stunning home in La Quinta, California. If you know Vicki, you know she’s a real estate fanatic. She told listeners on her podcast, My Friend My Soulmate My Podcast, that they are currently "living under the same roof."
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It hasn't been without its adjustments. Michael originally lived in Texas, and Vicki is the quintessential Orange County resident. For a while, there was some back-and-forth about who would move where. In late 2024, there was even a bit of a scare for fans when news broke that Michael might have to move away for a year for business. But they navigated the long-distance hurdles, and now, they’ve planted roots in the desert.
Is There a Ring on it? The Marriage Question
Everyone wants to know: is Vicki Gunvalson getting married again?
She’s been down the aisle twice before, to Michael Wolfsmith and Donn Gunvalson. She was also engaged to Steve Lodge. At 63, Vicki hasn't lost her desire for a "mate." She’s openly discussed marriage on her podcast, noting that she and Michael have had those deep conversations about the future.
- The Intent: Vicki says she "dates to mate." She isn't interested in casual flings.
- The Timeline: While 2025 saw them move in together, 2026 is the year fans are betting on a proposal.
- The Vibe: It’s different this time. There’s less "show" and more substance.
Michael reportedly treats her with a level of respect she hasn't always received. She’s mentioned on various live streams that he’s the first man who "really treated her" to things, rather than the other way around. He’s financially independent and stable—two things that are non-negotiable for a woman who has spent her life being the primary breadwinner.
The Family Dynamic and Season 20
Another huge indicator of who is Vicki Gunvalson dating and how serious it is? The grandkids.
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Vicki’s daughter, Briana Culberson, has always been the ultimate "BS detector" for her mother's boyfriends. Remember how much she hated Brooks? It was the central conflict of the show for years. With Michael Smith, the reception has been vastly different. Michael has spent significant time with Vicki's family, including her son Michael Wolfsmith and her grandsons.
As Vicki prepares for her return in The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 20, Michael's role is expected to be supportive but not central. Vicki has hinted that while she’s back to filming, Michael prefers to stay on the periphery. He’s not looking for a "star turn." He’s just there for her.
Why This Relationship Feels Different
We’ve seen Vicki "in love" before. It usually involves a lot of screaming and defending her partner against the other women. This time, there’s a noticeable lack of drama. The "Tres Amigas"—Vicki, Shannon Beador, and Tamra Judge—have even commented on it. Tamra, who is never one to hold back, has called Vicki "the horniest person" she’s ever met, jokingly referencing how happy Vicki is with Michael.
If the friends are happy, and Briana is happy, it’s usually a sign that the guy is actually a "quality man," as Vicki likes to say.
What’s Next for Vicki and Michael?
As we head deeper into 2026, the focus for the couple seems to be on "the exit strategy." Not from each other, but from the grind. Vicki has been making moves to sell Coto Insurance. She’s worked since she was a teenager and is finally looking to enjoy the fruits of her labor.
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Michael has been a huge proponent of her slowing down. He’s encouraged her to work three or four days a week instead of her usual eighty-hour marathons. They plan to spend more time at her home in Puerto Vallarta and their new place in La Quinta.
For those following who is Vicki Gunvalson dating, the answer isn't just a name; it’s a lifestyle shift. She’s traded the high-octane drama for a more grounded, wealthy, and (finally) honest partnership. Whether a wedding happens in 2026 or 2027, the "OG" seems to have finally found someone who can fill her love tank without draining her bank account or her spirit.
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Relationship Status: Vicki is in a long-term, committed relationship with Michael Smith.
- Living Situation: They recently bought a home together in La Quinta, California.
- TV Presence: Expect to see Michael in a limited capacity on RHOC Season 20; he values his privacy.
- Future Plans: Marriage is a major topic of discussion, but they are currently focused on "whooping it up" in their new home and traveling.
To stay updated on Vicki's latest moves, keep an eye on her official podcast and her Instagram stories, where she occasionally shares glimpses of her life with Michael between insurance meetings and "whoop it up" moments.