David Axelrod, born on February 22, 1955 (Age: 71 years old), in New York City, is a legendary figure in American politics and media.
With decades of experience as a political strategist, he is best known for shaping Barack Obama’s historic presidential campaigns. Beyond his professional achievements, Axelrod has built a substantial net worth through his roles as a consultant, commentator, and author.
You can explore his full biography here for an insider’s look!
David Axelrod Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | David M. Axelrod |
| Profession | Political Consultant, Analyst, Former White House Official |
| Age | 71 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1955 |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
David Axelrod Wife, Children
David Axelrod is happily married to Susan Landau, his wife since 1979.
Together, they have three children: their daughter Lauren, born in June 1981, and two sons, Michael and Ethan.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Susan Landau (married in 1979) |
| Children | Three children: daughter Lauren (born June 1981) and two sons, Michael and Ethan |
David Axelrod Family
David Axelrod’s parents are Joseph Axelrod, a psychologist, and Myril Bennett, a journalist. He also has a sister named Joan Lehrich.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Joseph Axelrod Mother: Myril Bennett |
| Siblings | Sister: Joan Lehrich |
David Axelrod Education
David Axelrod attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City before heading to the University of Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. [1]
| School | Stuyvesant High School (New York City) |
| Alma Mater | University of Chicago |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science |
David Axelrod Career
After graduating from the University of Chicago, Axelrod joined the Chicago Tribune as a political reporter. He covered national, state, and local politics, eventually becoming the paper’s youngest political writer in 1981.
Transition to Political Consulting
In 1984, Axelrod left journalism to serve as communications director for U.S. Senator Paul Simon’s campaign. [2] He quickly rose to co-campaign manager, marking his entry into political consulting.
Founding Axelrod & Associates
A year later, he founded Axelrod & Associates [3] , his political consultancy firm. The firm played pivotal roles in various campaigns, including the successful re-election of Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1987.
Advisor to Barack Obama
Axelrod’s most notable role was as chief strategist for Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. [4] After Obama’s election, he served as Senior Advisor to the President until early 2011.
Media Engagements
David Axelrod, a key figure behind Barack Obama’s election victories, joined CNN as a senior political commentator in 2015.[5] Known for his deep political expertise and connections, Axelrod brings years of experience from working on high-profile campaigns, including Obama’s, Hillary Clinton’s, and Harold Washington’s.
Authorship
In 2015, Axelrod published his memoir, “Believer: My Forty Years in Politics,” [6] offering insights into his extensive career.
David Axelrod Controversies
- Comments on Vice President Kamala Harris’s Election Los: Following Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat in the 2024 presidential election, Axelrod attributed part of the loss to “racial bias” and “sexism” in the electorate. He acknowledged that while these factors were not the sole reasons for the defeat, they had a tangible impact on the election outcome. [7]
- Tensions with the Biden Administration: Axelrod’s public critiques of the Biden administration led to tensions, with reports indicating that President Biden referred to him using a derogatory term. Despite this, Axelrod continued to offer candid assessments of the administration’s strategies and decisions. [8]
David Axelrod Net Worth, Salary
David Axelrod’s net worth is estimated to be around $13 million, and his salary is approximately $2 million.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $13 Million |
| Salary (Approx.) | $2 million |
David Axelrod Height, Weight & Physical Stats
David Axelrod stands tall at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch, which is about 185.4 cm or 1.854 meters. With his signature brown hair and striking black eyes, Axelrod carries a distinct presence that complements his remarkable career.
| Height | In centimeters: 185.4 cm In meters: 1.854 m In feet & inches: 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
David Axelrod Instagram, X
 thedavidaxelrod | |
| X |  @davidaxelrod |
Interesting Facts About David Axelrod
- At 13, Axelrod sold campaign buttons for Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential bid.
- He met his wife, Susan Landau, during a coed basketball league game in Hyde Park.
- Axelrod hosts “The Axe Files,” a podcast featuring in-depth interviews with political figures.
- He established the non-partisan Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago to inspire student engagement in public service.
- He has worked on campaigns for five of the eight Democratic candidates in the 2008 presidential race.
- His podcast, “The Axe Files,” plays on his nickname, “Axe.”
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FAQs
Is David Axelrod Jewish?
Yes, David Axelrod was raised in a secular Jewish family and had his bar mitzvah at the Brotherhood Synagogue in Manhattan.
How old is David Axelrod?
David Axelrod is 71 years old.
What is David Axelrod’s height?
David Axelrod stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.
What is David Axelrod’s Net Worth?
As of November 2024, his estimated net worth is $13 million.
What is David Axelrod’s salary?
His annual salary is reported to be around $2 million.
