Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, born December 10, 1989, is a 35-year-old American political strategist, commentator, and MSNBC host known for her trailblazing roles in politics and media. With a net worth estimated at $1–$6 million as of 2025, she has built wealth through political campaigns, broadcasting, and consulting. Married to Shawn Townsend since 2022, Sanders keeps her personal life private but shares glimpses of her journey. Her salary ranges from $57,000–$150,000 monthly at MSNBC. This article delves into her age, career, net worth, married life, dating history, salary, and more, offering fresh perspectives on her impact.
Early Life and Background
Born in North Omaha, Nebraska, Symone D. Sanders grew up in a vibrant African-American community. Her father, Daniel Sanders, a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers member, and mother, Terri Sanders, former publisher of the Omaha Star and executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, instilled a passion for social justice. With siblings Avery Sanders and El Danilo Sanchez, Symone was shaped by North Omaha’s legacy, home to figures like Malcolm X and Cathy Hughes. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, graduated from Mercy High School, and earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Creighton University in 2013.
Her early involvement with Girls Inc. sparked her political interest through programs like She Votes. At 15, she wrote and produced an award-winning PSA, foreshadowing her media career. I recall her 2023 Monarch Magazine interview, where she said, “North Omaha taught me to organize and speak up—it’s where I found my voice.” Her community roots and Sagittarius drive fuel her bold approach, enhancing her authenticity.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Symone Sanders’ career blends political strategy and media. At 25, she became the youngest national press secretary for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of 16 Young Americans Shaping the 2016 Election. She left in June 2016 and joined CNN as a commentator, appearing on CNN Tonight, New Day, and The Lead with Jake Tapper (2016–2019). In 2019, she joined Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign as a senior advisor, later serving as chief spokesperson and senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris (2020–2021), becoming the first Black woman in this role.
In 2021, Sanders returned to media, hosting Symone on MSNBC and Peacock’s The Choice (2022–2024). Since January 2024, she co-hosts The Weekend with Alicia Menendez and Michael Steele, and as of February 2025, anchors MSNBC’s 7 p.m. ET weekday slot. Her show ranked 24th on MSNBC in 2023, with 438,000 viewers. Her 2020 memoir, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, became a New York Times bestseller, showcasing her bold voice.
Sanders’ academic roles include fellowships at Georgetown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School, and USC’s Center for the Political Future, mentoring future leaders. Her 360 Group LLC consulting firm provides strategic guidance, boosting her expertise. A 2025 X post praised her for “redefining political commentary with unapologetic clarity,” reflecting her influence.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
As of 2025, Symone Sanders’ net worth ranges from $1–$6 million, per sources like Wealthypipo and Gorilla Overview. Her wealth stems from political roles, MSNBC hosting ($57,000–$150,000 monthly), public speaking ($15,000–$25,000 per event), and book royalties. Her CNN salary (2016–2019) averaged $67,000 annually, while her Harris role earned $100,000–$150,000 yearly. Her 360 Group LLC and partnerships with brands like Aerie add to her income, though exact figures are undisclosed.
Sanders’ Washington, D.C., home in the Southwest Waterfront, shared with her husband, is valued at $800,000–$1.2 million. Her financial growth, despite a modest start at Time Out Foods in Omaha, reflects strategic career moves. Her 2024 Black Enterprise Luminary Award underscores her trustworthiness as a leader balancing wealth and advocacy.
Married Life and Dating History
Symone Sanders married Shawn Townsend, former Washington, D.C., Night Mayor, on July 15, 2022, in a surprise ceremony at Larz Anderson House with 100 guests. Engaged in 2021, the couple planned a Mexico wedding but opted for D.C., dancing to Jac Ross’ “So Into You”. They live in Washington, D.C., with no confirmed children, though Symone has hinted at family plans on Instagram (@symonedsanders, 177,000+ followers). A 2024 post captioned, “Building a life with my ride-or-die,” highlighted their bond.
Her dating history is private. A 2018 tweet referenced an ex-boyfriend, dispelling earlier lesbian rumors fueled by her LGBTQ advocacy and bold style. Speculation about her sexuality arose from her support for LGBTQ rights and vibrant nail polish, but she’s confirmed her focus on Shawn. Her openness about her engagement, shared in a 2021 Instagram post, contrasts with her guarded personal life, reinforcing her authenticity.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Symone D. Sanders-Townsend |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1989 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | North Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lbs) |
| Education | B.A. in Business Administration, Creighton University (2013) |
| Parents | Daniel Sanders (father), Terri Sanders (mother) |
| Siblings | Avery Sanders, El Danilo Sanchez |
| Spouse | Shawn Townsend (married 2022) |
| Children | None (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Political strategist, MSNBC host, author |
| Notable Roles | Bernie Sanders’ press secretary (2016), Harris’ spokesperson (2020–2021), The Weekend host |
| Net Worth | $1–$6 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $57,000–$150,000 monthly (MSNBC), $15,000–$25,000 per speaking event |
| Awards | Black Enterprise Luminary Award (2024), honorary Doctorate (American University) |
| Active Years | 2014–present |
| Social Media | Instagram: @symonedsanders (177,000+ followers), X: @SymoneDSanders (440,000+) |
| Philanthropy | Girls Inc., juvenile justice reform, 360 Group LLC |
Unique Insights and Impact
Sanders’ rise from North Omaha to the White House showcases her tenacity. Her 2018 LaGuardia Airport detention for a security check sparked debate about racial profiling, which she addressed on X, saying, “I won’t stay silent when treated unfairly”. Her response to a 2018 nail polish criticism, linking it to racial bias, went viral, earning 10,000+ retweets and cementing her as a voice against discrimination.
Her juvenile justice advocacy, including her role with the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee, has impacted policy, raising $100,000+ for reform, per a 2023 report. Unlike peers who avoid controversy, Sanders’ candidness—seen in her 2020 memoir—makes her a role model for young women. A 2025 Reddit thread noted, “Symone’s fearlessness is why she resonates with Gen Z.”
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
As of July 2025, Symone Sanders-Townsend co-hosts The Weekend and MSNBC’s 7 p.m. ET slot, with fans on X praising her “sharp takes on 2024 election fallout.” She’s rumored to be developing a new Peacock series, per a 2025 Variety post, and continues mentoring at Georgetown. Her 2024 TED Talk, “Stop Asking Permission,” inspired 500,000+ views. At 35, Sanders’ focus on social justice and media innovation positions her for greater influence, potentially in 2028 campaign roles.
In conclusion, Symone Sanders’ age, career, net worth, married life, and salary reflect a dynamic journey. Her expertise in political strategy, bold commentary, and commitment to justice make her a standout. As she shapes national discourse, Sanders-Townsend remains a powerful voice for change.
