History of Jonathan Capehart in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 1, 2025

Jonathan Capehart is an American journalist and liberal commentator. He is a writer for The Washington Post's PostPartisan blog and the host of The Saturday/Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC. Capehart is known for his liberal viewpoints and commentary on political and social issues.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1962: Bernie Sanders at Civil Rights Sit-in

In 1962, Bernie Sanders participated in a civil rights sit-in at the University of Chicago, an event that later became the subject of a false allegation by Jonathan Capehart in 2016.

July 2, 1967: Jonathan Capehart Born

On July 2, 1967, Jonathan T. Capehart was born. He would grow up to become an American journalist and television commentator.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Joins New York Daily News Editorial Board

In 1993, Jonathan Capehart became a member of the New York Daily News' editorial board. He was the youngest person ever to hold that position.

1999: Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing

In 1999, Jonathan Capehart was a key contributor to a New York Daily News staff entry that received the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. The editorials focused on financial mismanagement at Harlem's Apollo Theater.

2000: Leaves New York Daily News for Bloomberg News

In 2000, Jonathan Capehart departed from the New York Daily News to begin working at Bloomberg News.

2001: Advises Michael Bloomberg's Mayoral Campaign

In 2001, Jonathan Capehart advised and wrote speeches for Michael Bloomberg during his campaign for New York City mayor.

2002: Returns to New York Daily News

In 2002, Jonathan Capehart returned to the New York Daily News. He served as deputy editor of the editorial page.

December 2004: Joins Hill & Knowlton

In December 2004, Jonathan Capehart became a Senior Vice President and senior counselor of public affairs at Hill & Knowlton, a global public relations company.

2007: Joins The Washington Post

In 2007, Jonathan Capehart joined The Washington Post as a journalist and became a member of its editorial board.

February 2016: Publishes False Allegation About Bernie Sanders

In February 2016, Jonathan Capehart published a false allegation about Senator Bernie Sanders, claiming Sanders misrepresented a photograph from a 1962 civil rights sit-in. Capehart later acknowledged photographic evidence contradicting his claim but maintained his stance based on other accounts.

May 2016: Engaged to Nick Schmit

In May 2016, Jonathan Capehart became engaged to his boyfriend of over five years, Nick Schmit, who was the assistant chief of protocol at the U.S. State Department.

January 7, 2017: Marriage to Nick Schmit

On January 7, 2017, Jonathan Capehart married Nick Schmit, who was the assistant chief of protocol at the U.S. State Department. The ceremony was performed by former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder.

2018: Guest Hosting on WNYC Radio

In 2018, Jonathan Capehart began guest hosting the WNYC radio show Midday on WNYC, formerly known as The Leonard Lopate Show.

December 13, 2020: Hosts The Sunday Show Premiere on MSNBC

On December 13, 2020, Jonathan Capehart hosted the premiere episode of "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart" on MSNBC.

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January 2021: Joins PBS NewsHour

In January 2021, Jonathan Capehart began appearing on the PBS NewsHour, replacing Mark Shields in the Friday political commentary segment.

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March 30, 2022: Named Associate Editor of The Washington Post

On March 30, 2022, Jonathan Capehart was named an associate editor of The Washington Post.

February 2023: The Sunday Show Expanded with Saturday Edition

In February 2023, Capehart's The Sunday Show was expanded with a Saturday edition, "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart", which was sometimes promoted as "The Saturday/Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart".

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February 18, 2023: Premiere of The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart

On February 18, 2023, the premiere of The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart, the Saturday edition of Capehart's The Sunday Show, was aired.

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2023: Leaves The Washington Post Editorial Board

In 2023, Jonathan Capehart ended his time as a member of the editorial board for The Washington Post.

2024: Named one of America's 10 best TV news journalists

In late 2024, Jonathan Capehart was named one of America's 10 best TV news journalists by GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics. The organization praised Capehart for his breadth of coverage.