Eugene Daniels Gay embodies resilience and innovation in American media, serving as a senior Washington correspondent at MSNBC and co-host of the groundbreaking weekend show. Born on February 12, 1989, in Manhattan, New York, he moved to Fort Hood, Texas, shortly after, where his father’s military service shaped his early worldview.
As an openly gay Black journalist, Eugene Daniels has covered pivotal moments, from the Biden-Harris administration to the country’s reckoning with race in 2020.
In 2025, he joined MSNBC full-time, marking a milestone as one of the first openly gay Black men to co-host a cable news program alongside Jonathan Capehart. His role as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) further cements his legacy, making him the first openly gay person of color to lead the organization.
Daniels’ career spans Politico, where he was a white house correspondent and Playbook co-author, to on-air analysis that dissects politics and policy. Updated through October 2025, he recently opined on trans rights during Pride Month, urging protection for the LGBTQ community amid political challenges. His commencement speech at Colorado State University (CSU) in June 2025 inspired graduates, reflecting on his path from student athlete to accountability journalist.
| Eugene Daniels Gay Bio/Wiki | Details |
| Full Name | Eugene Anthony Daniels-Stephens II |
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1989 (Age: 36 in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York, U.S. (Relocated to Fort Hood, Texas, as an infant) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, Senior Washington Correspondent at MSNBC, Co-host of “The Weekend,” Former White House Correspondent for Politico |
| Family | Father: Eugene Anthony Daniels (Retired Lt. Col., U.S. Army); Mother: Leah Daniels; Husband: Nathan Thomas Stephens (Married October 29, 2022) |
| Career Highlights | Joined MSNBC full-time in 2025; President of the WHCA (2024-2025); First openly gay person of color to lead WHCA; Co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend” with Jonathan Capehart; Covered Vice President Kamala Harris and the 2020 election; Contributor since 2021; Playbook co-author at Politico since 2018 |
Early Life of Eugene Daniels Gay: Roots in Military Service and Texas
Eugene Daniels Gay grew up in a household defined by discipline and duty. His father, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, faced multiple deployments to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks and the 2003 invasion. This environment instilled in young Eugene Daniels a profound respect for public service, themes that echo in his political reporting today.
The family settled in Killeen, Texas, near Fort Hood, where Daniels navigated the challenges of military life. Frequent moves and his father’s absences built resilience, qualities essential for a journalist covering high-stakes Washington.
In interviews, Eugene Daniels often credits his mother’s steadfast support—Leah Daniels—for grounding him. She encouraged his curiosity about current events, sparking an early interest in journalism.
By high school, Daniels was active in community activities, blending academics with athletics. This period laid the foundation for his multifaceted career.
Education Journey: From Shoemaker High School to Colorado State
Eugene Daniels Gay attended Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, a pivotal chapter in his formative years. There, he excelled on the football field while discovering his passion for storytelling through school newspaper contributions.
Graduating in 2007, Daniels committed to Colorado State on a football scholarship. He majored in political science before switching to journalism, a decision that aligned his athletic discipline with intellectual pursuits.
At CSU, Daniels immersed himself in student media, honing skills that would define his professional path. His involvement extended to leadership roles, foreshadowing his future as president of the WHCA.
Eugene Daniels Gay’s Athletic Legacy: Defensive Lineman at Colorado State
Football wasn’t just a sport for Eugene Daniels Gay—it was a proving ground. As a defensive lineman for the Rams in NCAA Division I football, he redshirted his freshman year in 2007-2008.
Challenges arose early. In August 2009, heat-related illness sidelined him during practice, a setback that tested his grit. The following year, a shoulder injury ended his playing days, but Daniels stayed with the team in a supportive capacity.
Off the field, he channeled energy into advocacy. At the 2011 NCAA Convention, he was elected vice-chair of the Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, advocating for athlete welfare.
These experiences built the teamwork and perseverance that Eugene Daniels applies to covering the White House.
- Key Athletic Milestones:
- Committed to CSU on December 12, 2006.
- Signed letter of intent: February 7, 2007.
- Graduated with BA in Journalism: 2012.
Daniels reflects on this era as transformative, blending physical prowess with emerging media talents.
Entering Professional Journalism: First Steps Post-Graduation
After earning his degree from Colorado State University, Eugene Daniels Gay dove into journalism with determination. Early roles included local reporting gigs that sharpened his edge for national stories.
By 2018, he landed at Politico, starting with coverage of the 2018 midterm elections. This entry point exposed him to the intensity of political reporting, where he quickly distinguished himself.
Daniels’ focus on underrepresented voices set him apart. His pieces often highlighted inequities in policing and broader social justice, aligning with his personal narrative as an openly gay man of color.
Rise at Politico: Becoming a White House Correspondent
Eugene Daniels ascended rapidly at Politico, becoming a white house correspondent for Politico by 2020. He covered the democratic presidential primary, including Andrew Yang’s campaign, providing incisive analysis.
As co-author of Politico’s Playbook, Daniels shaped daily political discourse. He was the first Black and first openly LGBTQ author for the newsletter, a breaking barriers moment.
From 2021-2025, his beat centered on Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. This access allowed deep dives into administration dynamics.
In the general election through print, Daniels dissected strategies and voter sentiments, earning acclaim for balanced, fact-driven work.
MSNBC Evolution: From Contributor to On-Air Star
Eugene Daniels Gay joined MSNBC as a contributor in 2021, offering expertise on Morning Joe. Promoted to senior contributor in April 2022, he became a fixture for breaking down complex issues.
His on-air presence grew, blending sharp analysis with personal authenticity. As an MSNBC contributor, Daniels tackled the reckoning with race in 2020, moderating the Confronting Inequality town hall series. This town hall series that examined systemic biases resonated widely.
By 2025, Daniels made history by joining MSNBC full-time as senior Washington correspondent. His transition amplified his voice in prime time.
Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels Gay: Pioneering Co-Hosts
The partnership of Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels marks a cultural shift at MSNBC. As co-hosts of “The Weekend,” they deliver weekend programming from 7-10 a.m. ET, Saturdays and Sundays.
Launched in spring 2025, the show features Jonathan Capehart, a Pulitzer winner, and Eugene Daniels, the rising star. Together, they are the first two gay men to co-host a cable news program, and the men to co-host a cable news weekend slot as openly queer Black journalists.
Their dynamic—candid, informed, inclusive—sets “the weekend” agenda. Eugene Daniels shares insights on Kamala Harris and beyond, while Jonathan Capehart brings historical depth.
This duo exemplifies breaking barriers, inspiring LGBTQ youth in the media.
- Show Highlights:
- Fresh takes on weekly events.
- Guest interviews with policymakers.
- Focus on underrepresented stories.
Leadership Milestone: President of the White House Correspondents’ Association
In July 2024, Eugene Daniels Gay was inducted as president of the WHCA, a role he continued into 2025. Elected treasurer in 2022, he ascended after Kaitlan Collins’ resignation.
As the first openly gay person of color and second Black leader, Daniels declared, “I am both humbled and full of excitement to serve as president.”
Under his term as president, the WHCA advanced diversity initiatives and press freedoms. He navigated challenges like Pentagon press pass revocations in September 2025.
Also the president of this esteemed body, Daniels bridges journalism and advocacy seamlessly.
LGBTQ Advocacy: GLAAD and Beyond for Eugene Daniels Gay
Eugene Daniels Gay is a vocal LGBTQ advocate, recognized by GLAAD for his trailblazing work. In May 2025, he discussed representation on “The Weekend,” emphasizing resilience.
Coming out in 2016, Daniels has since championed visibility. His marriage to Nathan Thomas Stephens in 2022 symbolized personal triumph amid public scrutiny.
Through MSNBC’s platforms, he addresses gay man experiences in politics. Eugene Daniels today continues this fight, as seen in his June 2025 Pride op-ed.
His efforts extend to mentoring young openly gay journalists, fostering a more inclusive field.
Covering Icons: Eugene Daniels Gay on Kamala Harris and Biden
Eugene Daniels‘ tenure tracking Kamala Harris offers unparalleled access. From her term as president of the Senate to 2025 book excerpts, he provides context on her challenges with Biden’s team.
In September 2025, Daniels analyzed Harris’ memoir revelations about staff dynamics and the 2024 election. He highlighted her quotes on zero-sum thinking in the administration.
Daniels also covered Biden‘s elected president era, focusing on policy impacts. His reporting on the first Black and South Asian VP underscores historical significance.
- Key Coverage Moments:
- Harris’ 2024 campaign trail.
- Vice President Kamala Harris‘ office turnover narratives.
- Biden-Harris joint initiatives on equity.
This work cements Daniels as a go-to political analyst.
Eugene Daniels Gay: Physical Appearance and Vital Stats
Amid his demanding schedule, Eugene Daniels Gay maintains a commanding presence, reflective of his athletic past.
| Eugene Daniels Gay Physical Appearance | Height | Weight | Eye Color | Hair Color | Body Measurements |
| Details | 6 feet (183 cm) | 180 lbs (82 kg) | Brown | Black | Athletic build: 42-32-36 inches (Chest-Waist-Hips) |
His poised, energetic demeanor enhances his on-screen charisma, drawing from years as a defensive lineman.
Personal Life Insights: Marriage, Family, and Balance
Eugene Daniels Gay‘s personal world centers on his 2022 marriage to Nathan Thomas Stephens. The ceremony at Baltimore’s Evergreen Museum & Library was intimate, celebrating love amid career highs.
As an openly gay person of color, Daniels navigates public life with grace. His family—rooted in military values—remains a pillar, with parents Eugene and Leah offering unwavering support.
Balancing co-anchor duties and home, he prioritizes downtime, often sharing glimpses of normalcy. This authenticity resonates, humanizing the analyst behind the headlines.
In 2025, Daniels reflected on family during his CSU commencement, urging graduates to cherish roots.
Social Media Influence: Eugene Daniels Gay Online
Eugene Daniels Gay leverages digital platforms to engage audiences, blending professional insights with personal flair.
| Platform | Username | Followers (as of October 2025) | Profile Link |
| X (Twitter) | @EugeneDaniels2 | 61,262 | x.com/EugeneDaniels2 |
| @eugenedaniels2 | 23,000 | instagram.com/eugenedaniels2 | |
| Eugene Daniels | 5,000+ (Professional Network) | linkedin.com/in/eugene-daniels |
On X, he posts real-time updates, like the September 2025 commentary on Harris’ book. Instagram offers behind-the-scenes from “The Weekend,” while LinkedIn highlights career milestones.
His online voice amplifies LGBTQ stories, with posts garnering thousands of interactions.
Breaking Barriers in 2025: Eugene Daniels Gay’s Ongoing Impact
2025 has been transformative for Eugene Daniels Gay. Beyond MSNBC‘s full-time shift, he spoke at CSU‘s commencement, sharing lessons from student media to White House scrutiny.
His series that examined how inequities persist in media mirrors broader societal fights. Daniels’ work on examining inequities in policing during 2020 town halls continues to influence discourse.
As co-host of a cable news pioneer, he redefined success for gay men in broadcasting.
Fun Facts about Eugene Daniels Gay
- He’s a self-proclaimed “Walking Beyoncé Encyclopedia,” often weaving Queen Bey references into interviews for levity.
- Daniels once ran for NCAA student-athlete leadership in San Antonio, turning sports passion into advocacy gold.
- His wedding venue, Baltimore’s Evergreen Museum, doubled as a nod to historic preservation, mirroring his career ethos.
- Despite football injuries, he credits the sport for teaching him to tackle tough stories head-on.
- Daniels switched majors from political science to journalism mid-college, a pivot that unlocked his true calling.
- He moderated WHCA events that spotlighted emerging voices, quietly mentoring dozens behind the scenes.
- In a 2025 podcast, he revealed binge-watching political docs as self-care, blending work with unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eugene Daniels Gay
Who is Eugene Daniels Gay’s husband?
Nathan Thomas Stephens, married in 2022; they met through mutual friends in D.C. circles.
What is Eugene Daniels Gay’s role at MSNBC in 2025?
Senior Washington correspondent and co-host of “The Weekend,” focusing on weekend political analysis.
How did Eugene Daniels Gay become president of the WHCA?
Elected treasurer in 2022; ascended in 2024 after the president’s resignation, serving through 2025.
What did Eugene Daniels Gay study at Colorado State?
Majored in journalism after starting in political science; graduated in 2012 while playing football.
Is Eugene Daniels Gay involved in LGBTQ advocacy?
Yes, honored by GLAAD; he writes on trans rights and representation, as in his 2025 Pride piece.
What major stories has Eugene Daniels Gay covered?
Vice President Kamala Harris‘ tenure, 2020 reckoning with race, and Biden’s term as president.
Where did Eugene Daniels Gay attend high school?
Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, where he played football and joined media clubs.
Conclusion on Eugene Daniels Gay
Eugene Daniels Gay stands tall as a visionary in journalism, weaving personal authenticity with professional excellence. From Politico‘s Playbook to MSNBC‘s “The Weekend,” his journey—from Colorado State athlete to WHCA leader—illuminates paths for others.
In 2025, amid historic co-hosting with Jonathan Capehart and advocacy for LGBTQ equity, Daniels not only reports history but shapes it. His story of breaking barriers inspires, proving representation drives change. As he continues covering the White House and beyond, Eugene Daniels reminds us: visibility fuels progress, one bold story at a time.
