Jesse Watters: Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Salary & Career

Introduction

Jesse Watters is one of the most recognizable conservative political commentators and television hosts in America, currently hosting the highly-rated “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Fox News Channel. Born on July 9, 1978, Jesse Watters has built an extraordinary career spanning over two decades at Fox News, rising from a production assistant in 2002 to one of the network’s most prominent primetime hosts. As of 2026, Jesse Watters continues to command the coveted 8 p.m. primetime slot on Fox News while also co-hosting the network’s most-watched program, “The Five.” Jesse Watters first gained national recognition through his controversial man-on-the-street interviews on “The O’Reilly Factor,” which eventually evolved into his own show, “Watters’ World.” Known for his sharp wit, confrontational interview style, and unapologetic conservative viewpoints, Jesse Watters has become a household name among political news viewers. His personal life has also attracted significant attention, particularly his divorce from first wife Noelle Inguagiato and subsequent marriage to Fox News producer Emma DiGiovine in 2019. With an estimated net worth of $10-12 million and an annual salary of $5 million, Jesse Watters remains one of Fox News’ highest-paid personalities and most influential voices in conservative media as we move through 2026.

Personal Information

Here is a comprehensive overview of Jesse Watters’ personal information:

Who is Jesse Watters?

Jesse Watters is an American conservative political commentator, television host, and author who has become one of Fox News Channel’s most prominent personalities. Currently hosting “Jesse Watters Primetime” weeknights at 8 p.m. EST and co-hosting the network’s flagship roundtable program “The Five,” Watters has established himself as a leading voice in conservative media. He joined Fox News in 2002 as a production assistant and rose through the ranks to become a household name through his ambush-style interviews and provocative commentary on political and cultural issues. Watters is registered to vote as a member of the Conservative Party of New York State and is known for his unapologetically conservative viewpoints on immigration, law and order, American values, and criticism of liberal policies. He has authored two books: “How I Saved the World” (2021) and “Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe” (2024), both published by conservative imprint Broadside Books. His career has been marked by both significant success and controversy, including his highly publicized affair and subsequent marriage to Emma DiGiovine, a former Fox News producer who worked on his show.

Early Life and Family Background

Childhood and Education

Jesse Bailey Watters was born on July 9, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into an educated and accomplished family. His father, Stephen Hapgood Watters, worked as a teacher, while his mother, Anne Purvis, was a child psychologist. Jesse grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment in the Germantown neighborhood of Upper Northwest Philadelphia before his family moved to the East Falls neighborhood. His maternal lineage includes several prominent figures in American publishing and law: his maternal grandfather was Morton Bailey Jr., publisher of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, while his maternal great-grandfather was Morton Bailey, publisher of The Saturday Evening Post, one of America’s most iconic magazines. His maternal great-great-grandfather was Morton Shelley Bailey (1855–1922), a lawyer, politician, state senator, and Associate Justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. On his father’s side, his paternal grandfather, Franklin Benjamin Watters, was a cardiologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Connecticut and a professor at the University of Connecticut Medical Dental School. Jesse also has notable family connections in politics and entertainment: he is the nephew of David H. Watters, a Democratic New Hampshire state senator, and the cousin of Harper Watters, a professional ballet dancer.

Jesse attended the prestigious William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia through his junior year of high school. His family then relocated to Long Island, New York, where he completed his senior year at Friends Academy. After graduating high school, Jesse enrolled at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2001. His time at Trinity College would prove formative, as it was during this period that he developed his interest in politics and media that would shape his future career.

Career Journey at Fox News

From Production Assistant to On-Air Talent

After graduating from Trinity College in 2001, Jesse Watters moved to New York City and was hired as a production assistant at Fox News in 2002. This entry-level position provided him with valuable behind-the-scenes experience in television production. In 2003, just one year after joining the network, Watters was promoted to the production staff of “The O’Reilly Factor,” the network’s highest-rated program hosted by conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly. It was during his time working on O’Reilly’s show that Watters’ career trajectory changed dramatically. In 2004, he began appearing on camera, conducting man-on-the-street interviews that became a signature segment. These interviews, characterized by their confrontational and often comedic style, quickly became popular with viewers who appreciated Watters’ bold approach to challenging liberal figures and everyday Americans about their political views.

Watters’ World and Rising Stardom

The success of Watters’ on-the-street segments led to the creation of “Watters’ World,” which debuted as a monthly segment on “The O’Reilly Factor” on November 20, 2015. The segment featured Watters conducting ambush interviews with political figures, celebrities, and everyday Americans, often catching them off-guard with pointed questions about politics and current events. The segment’s popularity grew rapidly, and in January 2017, “Watters’ World” was expanded into a weekly Saturday night show airing at 8 p.m. EST. The show ran successfully for five years, ending in January 2022 when Watters transitioned to his own daily primetime program. Throughout his time hosting “Watters’ World,” Jesse became known for several controversial segments, including his 2016 trip to New York’s Chinatown, where he conducted interviews that many critics labeled as racist and stereotypical. Despite the controversy, Watters maintained strong ratings and a loyal conservative audience who appreciated his willingness to challenge political correctness.

The Five and Primetime Success

In April 2017, while still hosting “Watters’ World,” Jesse Watters was added as a permanent co-host of “The Five,” Fox News’ popular roundtable discussion show. “The Five” features five co-hosts discussing news, politics, and current events from various perspectives, though predominantly conservative viewpoints. The show has consistently been one of cable news’ highest-rated programs, often winning its timeslot across all networks. Watters’ addition to the panel brought a younger, more provocative voice to the show’s dynamic. In January 2022, Watters achieved a major career milestone when Fox News launched “Jesse Watters Primetime,” giving him his own daily show in the network’s primetime lineup. Initially airing at 7 p.m. EST, the show was so successful that in June 2023, Fox News moved it to the coveted 8 p.m. timeslot—traditionally the highest-rated hour in cable news. This slot had previously been occupied by Tucker Carlson before his departure from the network. As of 2026, “Jesse Watters Primetime” consistently ranks among the top cable news programs, regularly attracting 2-3 million viewers per night and winning its timeslot in the key 25-54 demographic.

Jesse Watters’ Personal Life and Marriages

First Marriage to Noelle Inguagiato

Jesse Watters married his first wife, Noelle Inguagiato, in 2009. Noelle also worked at Fox News, serving as a host and fashion stylist for the network. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Sophie and Ellie, and appeared to maintain a stable family life for several years. However, their marriage began to unravel in 2017 when reports emerged of Jesse’s affair with Emma DiGiovine, a production assistant who worked on “Watters’ World.” In October 2017, Noelle filed for divorce, citing Jesse’s infidelity. The divorce proceedings attracted significant media attention, particularly given that both parties worked in the television news industry and the affair involved another Fox News employee. The divorce was finalized in March 2019, with custody arrangements made for their twin daughters. Despite the public nature of the split, Noelle has largely maintained her privacy, focusing on raising their daughters. Jesse has shared custody of the twins, and while details of the custody arrangement remain private, he occasionally references his daughters on social media and in interviews.

Marriage to Emma DiGiovine

Emma DiGiovine was born on June 2, 1992, in Cranford, New Jersey, making her 14 years younger than Jesse. She studied journalism at Fairfield University and began her media career as an intern at Showtime Networks. Emma joined Fox News in February 2015 as a production assistant for John Stossel’s show. In 2017, she was promoted to Associate Producer on “Watters’ World,” where she worked directly with Jesse. According to Jesse’s own account, he expressed romantic interest in Emma in an unusual way—by letting the air out of her car tires so she would need a ride home, which he could then provide. Their relationship developed while Jesse was still married to Noelle, leading to controversy when the affair became public. When their relationship was discovered, Fox News’ Human Resources department moved Emma off “Watters’ World” and transferred her to work on “The Ingraham Angle” with host Laura Ingraham. Emma left Fox News entirely in early 2018 to avoid continued workplace complications and media scrutiny. After Jesse’s divorce was finalized in March 2019, he and Emma went public with their relationship. Jesse announced their engagement on August 25, 2019, on social media, sharing a photo of Emma’s impressive engagement ring featuring a large round diamond solitaire surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds set in platinum. The couple married on December 30, 2019, in a private ceremony. They welcomed their first child together, a son named Jesse Bailey Watters Jr., on April 1, 2021. Their second child, a daughter named Georgina Post Watters, was born in April 2023. As of 2026, Jesse, Emma, and their children live in New York, where Emma has reinvented herself as a wellness influencer, fitness enthusiast, and entrepreneur, running a lifestyle website and social media presence focused on fitness, beauty, and family life.

What is Jesse Watters’ Net Worth?

As of 2025-2026, Jesse Watters’ net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $12 million USD. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through his two-decade career at Fox News, where he has risen from an entry-level production assistant earning a modest salary to one of the network’s highest-paid primetime hosts. His net worth reflects not only his television salary but also income from book sales, speaking engagements, and other media appearances. Watters has proven to be a savvy media personality who has leveraged his on-air success into multiple revenue streams. His financial success is particularly impressive given that he started his career in the early 2000s with virtually no on-air experience and built his brand entirely within one organization—Fox News Channel.

How Much Does Jesse Watters Earn?

Jesse Watters’ annual salary at Fox News is reported to be approximately $5 million per year as of 2025-2026. This makes him one of the highest-paid personalities at the network, though still below the salaries commanded by Fox News’ biggest stars like Sean Hannity (who reportedly earns $25-40 million annually). Watters’ $5 million salary reflects his value to the network as both a primetime host and co-host of “The Five,” essentially fulfilling two major roles. His compensation package has increased significantly over the years as his profile and ratings have grown. When he first began hosting “Watters’ World” as a weekly show in 2017, his salary was estimated at around $2 million annually. The move to daily primetime in 2022 and the subsequent promotion to the 8 p.m. slot in 2023 resulted in substantial salary increases, bringing him to his current $5 million annual compensation.

Main Income Sources

Jesse Watters’ wealth comes from several primary sources:

1. Fox News Salary: His $5 million annual salary from Fox News for hosting “Jesse Watters Primetime” and co-hosting “The Five” represents his largest and most stable income source.

2. Book Sales and Royalties: Watters has authored two books—”How I Saved the World” (2021) and “Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe” (2024). Both books were published by Broadside Books, a conservative imprint of HarperCollins, and have generated six-figure advances plus ongoing royalties from sales.

3. Speaking Engagements: As one of the most recognizable conservative media personalities, Watters commands substantial fees for appearances at Republican events, conservative conferences, and corporate gatherings, typically earning $25,000-$75,000 per appearance.

4. Media Appearances and Syndication: Beyond Fox News, Watters makes paid appearances on other media platforms and his show segments are often syndicated or licensed for use on various platforms, generating additional revenue.

5. Real Estate and Investments: Watters has made smart real estate investments in the New York area and likely maintains a diversified investment portfolio managed by financial advisors.

How Old is Jesse Watters?

Jesse Watters is currently 47 years old as of 2026. He was born on July 9, 1978, making him a Cancer according to the zodiac. At 47, Watters is in the prime of his media career, with the combination of youthful energy and nearly 25 years of experience in television journalism. His age places him among the younger generation of Fox News primetime hosts, which has helped him connect with both older conservative viewers and younger audiences who appreciate his more contemporary style and social media savvy.

What is Jesse Watters Famous For?

Jesse Watters is famous for several key achievements and characteristics:

Confrontational Interview Style: Watters became nationally known for his ambush-style man-on-the-street interviews where he would approach unsuspecting people, particularly liberals and political figures, with pointed and often uncomfortable questions.

Jesse Watters Primetime: His current role as host of one of cable news’ highest-rated programs has cemented his status as a major conservative media figure, with the show regularly attracting 2-3 million viewers.

The Five Co-Host: His position on Fox News’ most-watched program has given him enormous visibility and influence in conservative media circles.

Controversial Moments: Watters has been at the center of numerous controversies, including his 2016 Chinatown segment criticized as racist, his 2017 comments about Ivanka Trump’s speaking style that led to a brief suspension, and his 2024 comments suggesting his wife voting for Kamala Harris would be like “having an affair.”

Best-Selling Author: His books offering conservative commentary on American politics and culture have reached bestseller status among conservative readers.

Personal Scandal: The public affair with Emma DiGiovine and subsequent divorce and remarriage brought him tabloid-style attention beyond his political commentary.

Jesse Watters’ Wife Emma DiGiovine

Who is Emma DiGiovine?

Emma DiGiovine, born June 2, 1992, is a former Fox News producer, ballerina, model, and current wellness influencer who is best known as Jesse Watters’ second wife. At 33 years old in 2026, Emma is 14 years younger than Jesse. She was born in Cranford, New Jersey, to parents Gregory and Janice DiGiovine, and has a brother named Greg. Emma grew up in a Christian household and showed talent in both academics and the arts from a young age. She attended the Academy of Saint Elizabeth for high school, where she participated in multiple sports including soccer, field hockey, and softball. Her mother was a ballerina, which inspired Emma’s own interest in dance. At age 15, Emma performed with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, a significant achievement for any young dancer. She also pursued modeling, working with MSA Models and collaborating with major brands including Macy’s and Tommy Hilfiger.

Emma’s Career and Net Worth

Emma DiGiovine studied journalism at Fairfield University before beginning her media career. After graduating, she worked as an intern in the Public Relations department at Showtime Networks during her sophomore year. In February 2015, she joined Fox News as a production assistant working for John Stossel. Her talent and work ethic led to a promotion to Associate Producer on “Watters’ World” in 2017. However, when her relationship with Jesse became known, she was transferred to “The Ingraham Angle” and ultimately left Fox News in early 2018. Since leaving television news, Emma has reinvented herself as a wellness entrepreneur and social media influencer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began posting workout videos and fitness content on Instagram, which resonated with her growing audience. She now runs a lifestyle website offering exclusive content, workout videos, beauty tips, and sells workout gear and athleisure clothing. Emma’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2026, earned through her television work, modeling, and current digital business ventures. Her Instagram account (@emmawatters_) has tens of thousands of followers who follow her for fitness inspiration, beauty tips, and glimpses into her family life with Jesse and their children.

How Old is Jesse Watters’ Wife?

Emma DiGiovine is 33 years old as of 2026, having been born on June 2, 1992. This makes her 14 years younger than her husband Jesse, who was born in 1978.

Jesse Watters’ Children

Jesse Watters has four children from his two marriages:

1. Sophie and Ellie Watters (Twin Daughters): Born during his first marriage to Noelle Inguagiato, the twins are teenagers as of 2026. Their exact ages have not been publicly disclosed, but they were born sometime between 2010-2012. They live with their mother Noelle but maintain a relationship with their father through shared custody arrangements.

2. Jesse Bailey Watters Jr. (Son): Born on April 1, 2021, to Emma DiGiovine, Jesse Jr. is 4 years old in 2026. Jesse has shared photos and stories about his son on social media and occasionally references fatherhood on his show.

3. Georgina Post Watters (Daughter): Born in April 2023 to Emma DiGiovine, Georgina is the youngest of Jesse’s children at 2-3 years old in 2026. Emma frequently posts about raising both children on her social media accounts.

Is Jesse Watters on Social Media?

Yes, Jesse Watters maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms:

Twitter/X: Jesse is very active on Twitter/X with the handle @JesseBWatters, where he has millions of followers. He uses the platform to share clips from his show, comment on breaking news, engage with critics and supporters, and promote his content.

Instagram: His Instagram account @jessewatters features behind-the-scenes content, family photos, professional appearances, and promotional material for his show.

Facebook: Jesse maintains a Facebook page where full episodes and segments from his shows are posted.

YouTube: Full episodes and clips from “Jesse Watters Primetime” are available on Fox News’ YouTube channel, and Watters has his own podcast featuring his show’s monologues called “Jesse Watters Primetime Monologues.”

Email Contact: Viewers can reach Jesse via email at Watters@Fox.com for feedback and inquiries.

Text Line: Jesse Watters Primetime features a text line (929 area code) where viewers can text messages that are sometimes read on air during the show.

Is Jesse Watters Wikipedia Page Available?

Yes, Jesse Watters has a comprehensive Wikipedia page that documents his life, career, controversies, and achievements. The page provides detailed information about his early life, education, career trajectory at Fox News, his work on various programs, his books, personal life including both marriages, and the numerous controversies he has been involved in throughout his career. The Wikipedia entry is regularly updated with new information about his current show ratings, recent controversies, and personal developments. Like all Wikipedia entries, readers should cross-reference information with other reliable sources for complete accuracy.

Latest Updates and News (2025-2026)

Current Show Performance and Ratings

As of February 2026, “Jesse Watters Primetime” continues to dominate its 8 p.m. timeslot on cable news. The show consistently attracts between 2-3 million total viewers per night, making it one of the top-rated programs on cable television across all genres. In the key advertising demographic of adults 25-54, the show regularly wins its timeslot against MSNBC and CNN competitors. According to third-quarter 2025 ratings data, Fox News accounted for 14 of the 15 top-watched programs in both total viewers and the key demo, with “The Five” (which Watters co-hosts) being the number one show and “Jesse Watters Primetime” consistently ranking in the top five. While Fox News’ overall ratings declined in July 2025 compared to the previous year (down 30% in primetime), this reflected an industry-wide trend as the 2024 election cycle concluded. Watters’ show maintained its strong performance relative to competitors, cementing his position as one of Fox News’ most valuable assets.

Recent Controversies and Headlines

AOC Sexual Harassment Accusations (January 2026): Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accused Jesse Watters of “sexual harassment” and using “horrific sexually exploitative rhetoric” in his on-air commentary about her. The controversy generated significant media coverage and social media discussion in mid-January 2026, with conservatives defending Watters and liberals supporting AOC’s characterization of his commentary.

Minnesota ICE Protests Coverage (January-February 2026): Throughout late January and early February 2026, Watters has extensively covered protests in Minneapolis related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, particularly following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. His coverage has characterized the protests as “coordinated” and linked them to antifa and resistance movements, drawing both praise from conservatives and criticism from liberals.

Erika Kirk Interview (November 2025): In November 2025, Watters conducted a highly-watched interview with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated in September 2025. This was Kirk’s first major television interview following her husband’s death, and it drew significant attention from both conservative and mainstream media. Watters traveled with Kirk to Turning Point USA headquarters and the University of Mississippi for the interview segments.

Continued Success on The Five: Beyond his primetime show, Watters continues to appear daily on “The Five,” which remains the highest-rated show in cable news. His chemistry with co-hosts and willingness to make provocative statements continues to drive discussion and ratings.

Rumors About Leaving Fox News

Throughout late 2024 and early 2025, rumors periodically circulated on social media suggesting that Jesse Watters might be leaving Fox News. These rumors have been fueled by clickbait headlines and speculation following the departures of other major Fox News personalities in recent years, including Tucker Carlson. However, as of February 2026, there is absolutely no evidence supporting these rumors. Watters continues to host “Jesse Watters Primetime” nightly and co-host “The Five” daily, with new episodes airing as recently as February 2, 2026. Fox News has shown no indication of any changes to Watters’ position, and his high ratings make him an invaluable asset to the network. The persistent rumors appear to be entirely unfounded speculation with no basis in fact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Jesse Watters has established himself as one of the most influential and controversial voices in conservative media. His journey from production assistant to primetime television host demonstrates remarkable career success, though not without significant personal and professional controversies along the way. With a net worth of $10-12 million, an annual salary of $5 million, and consistently high ratings for both “Jesse Watters Primetime” and “The Five,” Watters has secured his position as a major player in American political media. His personal life, particularly his divorce from Noelle Inguagiato and marriage to Emma DiGiovine, has been scrutinized extensively, but he has managed to maintain his professional success despite the controversies. As of early 2026, Watters shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to deliver provocative commentary and interviews that appeal to millions of conservative viewers nightly. His ability to generate both ratings and controversy ensures he will remain a prominent figure in political discourse. Looking ahead, Watters’ combination of youth (at 47), experience, and proven audience appeal suggests he will continue to be a dominant force in conservative media for years to come, potentially expanding his influence through additional books, media ventures, or even political involvement beyond commentary.