Jeff Zeleny

Jeff Zeleny is an accomplished American journalist currently serving as the Chief National Affairs Correspondent for CNN. Born on June 10, 1973, in Exeter, Nebraska, he has built a prominent career in political journalism, having previously held significant roles at major news organizations.

Early Life and Education

Zeleny was raised on a family farm in Nebraska and attended Exeter High School. He went on to study journalism and political science at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1996. While at university, he was the editor of the Daily Nebraskan and played trumpet in the university's marching band.

Career Highlights

Zeleny's journalism career began at the Des Moines Register in 1996, where he initially focused on sports reporting but soon transitioned to political coverage due to the significance of the Iowa caucuses. He later joined the Chicago Tribune, where he won a Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism for his work on air traffic control issues.

In 2006, Zeleny moved to The New York Times, covering national politics and becoming a lead reporter during the 2012 presidential election. He joined ABC News as their Senior Washington Correspondent in 2013, before moving to CNN in 2015. At CNN, he has reported extensively on national politics and was named Chief National Affairs Correspondent in January 2021.13

Personal Life

Zeleny is openly gay and has been recognized for his contributions to journalism and LGBTQ representation within the field. His ancestry is Czech, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that informs his personal narrative.12

Through his extensive reporting across multiple presidential campaigns and significant national events, Jeff Zeleny has established himself as one of America's leading political journalists.