Jessica Tarlov

Jessica Tarlov is a political strategist, Democratic pollster, and television commentator known as the liberal co-host of "The Five" on Fox News, a leading program in cable news. Tarlov is recognized for her role as the sole liberal voice on a panel of conservative co-hosts, providing political analysis and commentary from a Democratic perspective. She has established herself as a prominent figure in political media, frequently defending Democratic viewpoints in a predominantly conservative environment.

Tarlov holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Bryn Mawr College and advanced degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science, including a Master of Science in public policy and administration, a Master of Research in political science, and a doctorate in political science and government. Her academic research focused on the impact of scandals on electoral outcomes for members of parliament. Before her television career, Tarlov worked as a senior strategist at Schoen Consulting, advising domestic and international clients on messaging strategies and serving as a Democratic pollster. She also contributed as a communications strategist on Boris Johnson's campaign for Mayor of London.

Tarlov first appeared on Fox News as a guest and later became a regular contributor, participating in programs such as "Hannity," "Your World with Neil Cavuto," "The Five," "Outnumbered," and "Fox & Friends." In addition to her co-hosting duties, she contributes to special coverage for Fox News, including election nights, State of the Union addresses, and impeachment proceedings. Her written work has appeared in FoxNews.com, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and New York Daily News, covering topics in politics, polling, and media analysis.

As an author, Tarlov co-authored "America in the Age of Trump" with Douglas E. Schoen, analyzing the political and social challenges facing the United States. In 2026, she wrote "I Disagree." She also serves as senior vice president of research and consumer insight at Bustle Digital Group in New York, focusing on media research and audience engagement. Tarlov has spoken at institutions such as Yale University, addressing communication across political divides. Her approach emphasizes data-driven analysis and aims to provide a balanced perspective in political media.