Manu Raju, a prominent American journalist, serves as CNN’s Chief Congressional Correspondent, delivering incisive coverage of U.S. Congress and campaign politics. Born on February 9, 1980, in Downers Grove, Illinois, Raju is 45 years old as of 2025. His net worth is estimated between $3-5 million, largely from his journalism career and speaking engagements. Married to Archana Mehta, they share twins born in 2015. His salary at CNN is estimated at $100,000-$150,000 annually. This article explores Raju’s biography, career, personal life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey and impact.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Journalism Powerhouse
Manu Raju’s age of 45 reflects a life steeped in intellectual rigor and cultural heritage. Born to Indian immigrants Dr. Tonse N.K. Raju and Vidya Raju, both doctors at the National Institutes of Health, Raju grew up in Darien, Illinois. His grandfather, Gopalakrishna Adiga, was a celebrated Kannada poet, instilling a legacy of storytelling. Raju graduated from Hinsdale South High School in 1998 and earned a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2002. As sports editor for The Badger Herald, he honed his journalistic skills, setting the stage for a stellar career.
Insight: Raju’s business background, uncommon for journalists, gave him a unique lens for analyzing political funding and campaign finance, evident in his later exposés on ethical violations.
Career Journey: From Local News to CNN Stardom
Raju’s journalism career began at WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin, before he moved to Washington, D.C., in 2002. He reported on environmental policy for Inside Washington Publishers, then worked at Congressional Quarterly, The Hill, and Politico, where he spent seven years as a senior Capitol Hill correspondent. Joining CNN in 2015, Raju became a household name, anchoring Inside Politics on Sundays and covering major events like the January 6 Capitol attack. His ability to uncover behind-the-scenes political dealings has earned him a reputation as the “King of the Hill” (India Abroad, 2017).
Case Study: In 2017, Raju’s reporting on Tom Price’s stock trades raised ethical questions, showcasing his knack for impactful scoops. Though the Trump administration demanded a retraction, fact-checkers upheld his accuracy, reinforcing his credibility.
Manu Raju’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
As of 2025, Manu Raju’s net worth is estimated at $3-5 million, driven by his CNN role, speaking engagements, and media appearances. His salary as Chief Congressional Correspondent is reportedly $100,000-$150,000 annually, competitive for top-tier journalists. Additional income from moderating debates and events, with speaking fees of $10,000-$20,000 (Gotham Artists), bolsters his wealth. Raju’s financial success reflects his dedication to political journalism over two decades.
Data Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top broadcast journalists earn a median of $100,930 annually, placing Raju in the upper echelon.
Married Life and Family: Balancing Fame and Fatherhood
Manu Raju’s married life with Archana Mehta, a marketing strategist and CEO of AM Strategies, is a cornerstone of his personal story. The couple, who met in 2005 and married shortly after, welcomed twins, Sonya Sushila and Sanjay Mehta, on November 6, 2015. Living in Washington, D.C., they maintain a private yet supportive partnership. Archana, a mechanical engineering graduate and certified wine specialist, often praises Raju’s reporting on Twitter.
Quote: “Manu’s ability to juggle high-stakes journalism with being a hands-on dad is inspiring,” says a colleague who observed Raju at a CNN event with his twins.
Awards and Recognition: A Trailblazer in Political Reporting
Raju’s trophy cabinet is filled with accolades, including the Merriman Smith Memorial Award (2012) for debt ceiling crisis coverage and the Joan Shorenstein Barone Award (2017) for congressional reporting. In 2021 and 2022, he shared the David Bloom Award for his January 6 coverage. His induction into the Hinsdale South High School Hall of Fame (2015) and recognition as a “mover and shaker” under 40 by Washington Life underscore his influence.
Unique Angle: Raju’s Indian-American heritage makes him a rare voice in mainstream media, offering diverse perspectives on U.S. politics, as noted by India Abroad.
Controversies: Navigating Challenges with Integrity
In 2017, Raju and Jeremy Herb reported that the Trump campaign accessed WikiLeaks documents prematurely, a story later retracted for inaccuracies. Despite criticism from Julian Assange and Donald Trump Jr., CNN stood by Raju, citing adherence to editorial standards. This incident highlights the high-stakes nature of political reporting, where accuracy is paramount.
Insight: Raju’s resilience in facing backlash demonstrates the importance of editorial rigor, a lesson for aspiring journalists in navigating misinformation.
Recent Updates: Manu Raju in 2025
As of 2025, Raju continues to anchor Inside Politics and cover Capitol Hill, focusing on the 2024 election aftermath and emerging congressional dynamics. His Twitter feed, with over 300,000 followers, offers real-time political insights. Raju’s mentorship of young journalists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, has become a significant part of his legacy, as shared during a 2024 journalism panel.
Original Research: A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center notes that 68% of Americans trust journalists like Raju for political coverage due to their transparency and on-the-ground reporting.
Manu Raju Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manu K. Raju |
| Age | 45 (Born February 9, 1980) |
| Birthplace | Downers Grove, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | Dr. Tonse N.K. Raju and Vidya Raju |
| Grandfather | Gopalakrishna Adiga (Kannada poet) |
| Sibling | Sharat Raju (filmmaker) |
| Education | Hinsdale South High School (1998), University of Wisconsin–Madison (2002) |
| Degree | Business Administration |
| Spouse | Archana Mehta (Married 2005) |
| Children | Twins: Sonya Sushila and Sanjay Mehta (Born November 6, 2015) |
| Profession | Chief Congressional Correspondent, CNN; Anchor, Inside Politics |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $100,000-$150,000 annually |
| Awards | Merriman Smith (2012), Joan Shorenstein Barone (2017), David Bloom (2021) |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 8 inches |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. |
| Notable Coverage | January 6 Capitol attack, 2013 government shutdown, Tom Price stock trades |
Why Manu Raju Stands Out
Raju’s ability to blend analytical reporting with human storytelling sets him apart. His coverage of the January 6 attack, where he reported live from the Capitol, showcased his courage and clarity under pressure. His Indian-American perspective enriches political discourse, making complex issues accessible. As a father, husband, and mentor, Raju balances personal and professional life with grace, inspiring the next generation of journalists.
Real-World Example: During a 2024 CNN town hall, Raju’s question to a senator about campaign finance reform sparked a viral debate, highlighting his influence in shaping public discourse.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Political Journalism
Manu Raju’s biography reflects a journey of perseverance, from a small-town upbringing to a leading voice in political journalism. His age, net worth, married life, and salary underscore a successful career built on integrity and hard work. With a supportive family and a commitment to truth, Raju continues to shape how Americans understand politics in 2025. Follow him on CNN or Wikipedia for more on his impactful career.
