Garrett Haake is one of the most recognizable faces in political journalism today — a seasoned correspondent whose reporting has helped shape public understanding of U.S. politics and current events. Known for his deep‑dive coverage from Capitol Hill to the White House, Haake’s career trajectory is compelling and filled with both professional wins and personal turns that many may not know about. One of the most talked‑about chapters in his life involved his relationship with fellow journalist Sara Murray, a former political correspondent for CNN. Together, they were a power couple in Washington’s media landscape, but their personal journey and careers have taken distinct paths since their union. In this article, we uncover lesser‑known facts about Garrett Haake’s life and career, explore Sara Murray’s impact on political reporting, and offer fresh insights into how their professional and private lives intersected and diverged over time.
Quick Bio: Garrett Haake & Sara Murray
| Attribute | Garrett Haake | Sara Murray |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Garrett Haake | Sara Murray |
| Born | 1984/1985 (Age 40–41) | March 31, 1985 |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Education | Southern Methodist University (BA) | University of Maryland (BA) |
| Occupation | Journalist, NBC News Senior Correspondent | Former CNN Political Correspondent |
| Employer | NBC News / MSNBC | CNN (former) |
| Major Beats | Capitol Hill, White House, National Politics | U.S. Elections, White House Reporting |
| Known For | Investigative political reporting | Political analysis and coverage |
| Notable Coverage | Impeachment, COVID‑19, Presidential campaigns | 2016 & 2020 Presidential cycles |
| Marital Status | Married (Allison Harris) | Divorced |
| Past Relationship | Formerly married to Garrett Haake | Formerly married to Garrett Haake |
1. Garrett Haake: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Start in Journalism
Before Garrett Haake became one of NBC News’s most trusted reporters, his journey began far from the limelight. Growing up in a family that valued current events and discussion around the dinner table, Haake’s early exposure to media planted the seeds of his future career. Although born in Colorado, his upbringing took him to various cities, including San Francisco, Boston, and Houston — experiences that likely nurtured his broad curiosity about the world.
At Southern Methodist University, Haake sharpened his journalistic instincts — anchoring student broadcasts and landing a coveted internship with NBC Nightly News in New York. This early exposure helped him transition from student reporter to professional journalist and laid the groundwork for a dynamic career.
2. Climbing the Ranks: From Desk Assistant to National Correspondent
Haake’s climb up the journalistic ladder wasn’t overnight. After graduating in 2007, he joined NBC News as a desk assistant and quickly mastered roles such as researcher and associate producer. His big break came when NBC chose him as an embedded reporter for the 2012 presidential campaign — a grueling 18‑month assignment traveling across more than 30 states covering Mitt Romney’s bids.
This experience not only expanded his political reporting skills but also introduced him to the intense lifestyle that comes with chasing national headlines. “Drinking from a firehose,” as Haake once described his reporting pace, became a fitting metaphor for his early career.
3. High‑Profile Reporting and Key Coverage Moments
As an NBC correspondent, Haake has covered some of the most impactful political and social events of recent decades. From reporting on Capitol Hill debates and impeachment proceedings to covering public health crises like the COVID‑19 pandemic, his work helped inform millions of Americans about the forces shaping their lives.
His role truly evolved when he became Senior Capitol Hill Correspondent for NBC and MSNBC before ascending to Senior White House Correspondent in January 2025 — a testament to his credibility and prominence in political journalism.
4. Sara Murray: Early Life and Journalism Foundations
Sara Murray’s story begins in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where she grew up with a fascination for storytelling and the inner workings of politics. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Maryland, she wasted no time entering the newsroom.
Her early career included covering the 2008 financial crisis for The Wall Street Journal — a demanding beat that set her up as a reporter capable of tackling complex economic and political narratives with confidence.
5. Rising Through the Ranks: CNN and National Influence
In 2015, Murray joined CNN as a political correspondent. Her rise at CNN was marked by her coverage of Republican candidates during the 2016 and 2020 elections, where she developed a reputation for clear, steady analysis amid polarized reactions.
Her assignments often involved dissecting campaign strategies and policy announcements, giving viewers a deeper perspective on how electoral politics evolve and influence national discourse.
6. When Two Journalists Met: The Haake‑Murray Connection
Garrett Haake and Sara Murray first crossed paths while covering the 2012 presidential campaign — a pivotal moment that brought both reporters into intense, around‑the‑clock news environments. They married in April 2017 in Austin, Texas, and became one of Washington’s media power couples.
Their similar career trajectories — both reporting on political campaigns and national policy — made them a headline‑worthy pairing, often leading to public curiosity about how two journalists balanced their professional ambitions with personal life.
7. Personal and Professional Challenges Behind the Cameras
While their marriage initially seemed like a perfect union of shared passions, balancing demanding careers took its toll. The couple eventually divorced after a few years, a split that attracted wide attention precisely because both individuals were public figures in journalism.
Despite personal differences, both continued to advance their careers — Haake at NBC and Murray through her influential reporting at CNN. Their split illustrated a broader reality faced by many professional couples: achieving work‑life balance amid long hours and high‑stakes assignments.
8. Life After Divorce: Evolving Careers and New Chapters
Following their divorce, Garrett Haake found love again with fellow journalist Allison Harris, marrying her and expanding his family. Meanwhile, Sara Murray continued to build her career and, in 2025, transitioned into a new role outside traditional journalism — applying her insights and expertise to cybersecurity consulting at FTI Consulting.
This move reflects a broader trend where seasoned journalists leverage their analytical abilities beyond newsrooms, shaping conversations around technology, policy, and national security.
9. Reporting Style and Professional Philosophy
Both Haake and Murray are known for their rigorous reporting standards and focus on clarity. Haake’s approach has been described as tenacious and immersive, often pushing beyond surface summaries to contextualize political moves for audiences.
Murray, on the other hand, was praised for her analytical depth — breaking down campaign strategies and legislative developments in ways that made complex political maneuvers more accessible to viewers.
10. Media Influence and Public Recognition
Over the years, Haake has become a trusted voice across NBC News platforms, contributing to programs such as NBC Nightly News and Today. His work continues to shape national awareness of legislative developments and political shifts.
Similarly, Murray’s influence during her time at CNN extended beyond nightly broadcasts — her reporting was often featured in political commentary and forums, reflecting her role in shaping national political narratives.
11. Personal Interests and Off‑Camera Life
Aside from his broadcasting duties, Haake’s off‑camera life reveals his personal interests. He’s an avid dog lover, often sharing insights into life with his rescue dog, Shiner. His social media presence gives fans a glimpse of his personal personality beyond the professional persona.
Murray, while more private about her personal life post‑journalism, remains engaged in public discussions about media literacy, civic engagement, and cybersecurity awareness as part of her newer professional role.
12. Legacy and Future Prospects
Both Garrett Haake and Sara Murray have left indelible marks on political journalism. Haake’s ongoing work at NBC and MSNBC places him at the forefront of national political coverage, while Murray’s transition underscores how journalists can pivot to influence policy and security fields.
Their experiences remind aspiring journalists of the importance of adaptability, staying informed, and cultivating a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to the public.
13. The Intersection of Personal and Professional Worlds
The journey of Haake and Murray demonstrates how closely intertwined personal life and journalism can become. Reporting on political turmoil, national crises, and public policy requires dedication — a dedication that often shapes both the newsroom and home life.
Their story is not just one of headline coverage but also of navigating love, careers, and personal growth in high‑pressure environments where every word and image can influence public perception.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Haake and Sara Murray represent two compelling and influential figures in modern journalism — professionals whose careers have spanned major political events, reshaped public understanding, and inspired new generations of reporters. While their personal paths diverged, their professional contributions continue to resonate in newsrooms, political spheres, and audiences across the country. Their story is not just about news coverage; it’s about resilience, adaptation, and the ongoing evolution of journalism in a changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Garrett Haake and what is he known for?
Garrett Haake is an American journalist and Senior White House Correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC. He is known for his in‑depth political reporting, covering headlines from Capitol Hill, presidential campaigns, impeachment proceedings, and national crises throughout his career.
2. What was Sara Murray’s role in journalism?
Sara Murray was a political correspondent at CNN, known for her insightful analysis of U.S. elections, Republican campaigns, and White House developments. She covered multiple presidential cycles and was respected for translating complex political events into accessible reporting.
3. How did Garrett Haake and Sara Murray meet?
Haake and Murray met while covering the 2012 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. Their shared experiences covering the campaign brought them together, leading to a relationship and eventual marriage in April 2017.
4. Did Haake and Murray have children together?
Yes, Garrett Haake and Sara Murray share one daughter from their marriage together. However, details about their daughter have remained relatively private.
5. What are Haake and Murray doing now?
After their divorce, Garrett Haake continued his journalism career at NBC and MSNBC, later becoming Senior White House Correspondent. Sara Murray transitioned out of CNN into a cybersecurity and consulting role at FTI Consulting, leveraging her analytical and reporting skills in a new field.
