Discover the remarkable journey of Nicolle Wallace, a renowned political analyst, accomplished author, and prominent television host. Uncover her humble beginnings in Orange County, her impressive educational background, her dynamic career trajectory from the White House to bestselling novels, and her influential role in contemporary political media.

White House Communications Director
In office
January 5, 2005 – July 24, 2006
President George W. Bush
Preceded by Dan Bartlett
Succeeded by Kevin Sullivan
Personal details
Born
Nicolle Devenish

February 4, 1972 (age 51)
Orange County, California, U.S.
Political party Republican (before 2021)
Spouse(s)
Mark Wallace
​
​

(m. 2005; div. 2019)​

Michael S. Schmidt
​

(m. 2022)​
Children 1
Education University of California, Berkeley (BA)
Northwestern University (MA)
Occupation Television host, author

Early Life and Education

Nicolle Wallace was born on February 4, 1972, in Orange County, California. She is the daughter of Patricia Devenish, a homemaker, and Robert Devenish, a lawyer. Wallace has one older brother, Michael.

Wallace attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, where she was a member of the debate team and the student government. She graduated from high school in 1990.

Wallace then attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied political science and graduated with honors in 1994. While at Berkeley, Wallace was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society.

Political Career

After graduating from Berkeley, Wallace worked as a press secretary for the Republican National Committee. In 1999, she joined the Bush administration as a speechwriter for then-Vice President Dick Cheney. In 2001, she was appointed White House Communications Director by President Bush. She served in this role until 2003, when she left to work on Bush’s re-election campaign.

After the 2004 election, Wallace joined the McCain campaign as a senior advisor. She left the campaign in 2007 to focus on her writing career.

Writing Career

Wallace’s first novel, Eighteen Acres, was published in 2008. The book was a New York Times bestseller and was praised by critics for its realistic portrayal of the White House. Wallace’s second novel, It’s Classified, was published in 2010. The book was also a New York Times bestseller.

Media Career

In 2014, Wallace joined MSNBC as a political analyst. She is a frequent contributor to the network’s news and opinion programs. In 2017, Wallace was named the host of Deadline: White House. The show is a daily news program that covers the White House and the Trump administration. Wallace is also a co-host of the podcast “Deadline: White House Podcast.”

Wallace is a frequent speaker on political and social issues. She has appeared at numerous conferences and events, including the Aspen Ideas Festival, the New Yorker Festival, and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Wallace is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Personal Life

Wallace is married to Michael S. Schmidt, a New York Times reporter. They have one son.

Look At Nicolle Wallace And Michael Schmidt Wedding Pictures

Accolades and Awards

Wallace has received numerous awards for her work, including:

  • The Gerald Loeb Award for Deadline: White House
  • The Gracie Award for Deadline: White House
  • The Edward R. Murrow Award for Deadline: White House
  • The Emmy Award for Deadline: White House

Wallace is a respected journalist and commentator who has made significant contributions to the field of political media. She is a talented writer, a sharp analyst, and a compelling speaker. Wallace is a valuable asset to MSNBC and to the public discourse.