Mary Matalin has made a name for herself in American politics, media, and publishing. But how has she turned her career into financial success?
From serving under multiple Republican administrations to co-hosting political shows and leading a publishing imprint, her diverse professional journey has contributed to her wealth.
In this article, Ando breaks down Mary Matalin net worth, her sources of income, and how her career choices have shaped her financial status.
Mary Matalin Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mary Joe Matalin |
| Popular Name | Mary Matalin |
| Birth Date | August 19, 1953 |
| Age (as of 03/10/2025) | 71 |
| Birthplace | Burnham, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Croatian (paternal), Irish (maternal) |
| Education | Western Illinois University (Undergraduate), Hofstra University School of Law (Dropped out) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | James Carville |
| Children | Matalin Mary Carville, Emerson Normand Carville |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Rene O’Brien, Steven Matalin |
| Parents | Eileen (née Emerson) Matalin, Steven Matalin |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $6 million (Estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Political consulting, media, book deals, public speaking |
What is the Net Worth of Mary Matalin in 2025?
As of 2025, Mary Matalin’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. This figure represents her combined wealth with her husband, James Carville, a well-known Democratic strategist. Their income stems from decades of political consulting, television appearances, and book deals.
Compared to other political consultants, Matalin’s wealth is moderate. While figures like Karl Rove or Dick Cheney may have higher financial standing due to broader investments, she has managed steady income through her media work and publishing career.
Related People & Companies
- James Carville
- George H.W. Bush
- Dick Cheney
- CNN
- Simon & Schuster
- Republican Party
- Threshold Editions
- Western Illinois University
- George W. Bush
- PETA
For more insights on other high-profile figures, check out this list of the wealthiest public figures: wealthiest political strategists.
Mary Matalin Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Mary Matalin’s wealth accumulation began in Republican political campaigns. She worked as campaign director for George H.W. Bush and later served as assistant to President George W. Bush and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney. These high-profile roles brought her political influence and financial stability.
Beyond politics, she leveraged her reputation in media and publishing. Hosting CNN’s Crossfire and other talk shows, along with serving as chief editor at Threshold Editions, significantly boosted her income.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Her earnings come from various sources:
- Political consulting – Advising Republican candidates and campaigns.
- Media appearances – Commentary roles on CNN, CNBC, and radio.
- Book sales – Co-authoring All’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President and other publications.
- Publishing career – Overseeing conservative book releases at Threshold Editions.
- Speaking engagements – Paid political speeches and panel discussions.
How Has Her Career Influenced Her Financial Status?
Her strategic career moves have kept her financially secure:
- Government positions provided financial stability and networking opportunities.
- Media engagements enhanced her marketability, increasing her book sales and speaking fees.
- Publishing allowed her to diversify income beyond politics.
- Marriage to James Carville created a unique brand, leading to paid joint appearances.
What Properties and Assets Does She Own?
Real estate plays a role in her financial portfolio.
- In July 2021, she and James Carville bought a condo in New Orleans for $2 million.
- They sold their 8,200-square-foot mansion for $3.3 million the same year.
- Other investments and assets remain undisclosed.
How Does She Manage Her Finances?
Mary Matalin maintains a balance between financial growth and personal values.
- She invests in real estate rather than risky ventures.
- She actively supports political and philanthropic causes.
- Her publications and speaking engagements ensure steady revenue.
What Role Does Her Marriage to James Carville Play in Their Finances?
Her marriage to James Carville, a Democratic strategist, is one of the most talked-about bipartisan relationships. Financially, their partnership has been advantageous:
- Combined net worth of $6 million, with shared income sources.
- Joint book deals and speaking events, increasing earnings.
- Their New Orleans real estate investments reflect their financial strategy.
How Has Her Political Shift to Libertarianism Affected Her Finances?
In 2016, Mary Matalin left the Republican Party to become a Libertarian, citing a stronger alignment with Jeffersonian and Madisonian principles. This shift impacted her finances:
- She lost some Republican-affiliated consulting opportunities.
- She gained new engagements with Libertarian circles.
- Her media presence changed, influencing her book sales and speaking invites.
How Does She Compare to Other Political Consultants in Terms of Wealth?
While Matalin has done well financially, she does not rank among the wealthiest political figures. Here’s how she compares:
- Karl Rove – Higher net worth due to broader media and consulting work.
- James Carville – Similar net worth, with overlapping income sources.
- Dick Cheney – Vastly wealthier due to corporate and political positions.
- Dee Dee Myers – A Democrat with comparable earnings from media work.
- Kellyanne Conway – Higher net worth due to extensive consulting work under Trump.
Conclusion
Mary Matalin’s career in politics, media, and publishing has led to a stable financial position. Her net worth is a reflection of decades of hard work and strategic career decisions. If you enjoyed this breakdown, share your thoughts in the comments or explore more celebrity finance insights at andomoney.com.
