Shawna Thomas Joins MS NOW as Political Director

Shawna Thomas, a seasoned journalist with experience in various news roles, has recently been appointed as the political director for MS NOW. Thomas, who most recently served as the executive producer of “CBS Mornings,” will oversee the network’s coverage of campaigns and elections, as well as make appearances on air across MS NOW platforms. Her arrival comes as news networks gear up for the 2026 midterm elections, a significant event that typically attracts a larger audience and boosts ratings.

In a statement, Thomas expressed her excitement about returning to Washington, D.C., and working with the MS NOW team. She highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with familiar faces like Luke Russert, Peter Alexander, Kate Farrell, Madeleine Haeringer, and Rachel Maddow, all of whom she has previously worked with in her career.

Thomas is known for her strong journalistic credentials, having served as the Washington D.C. bureau chief for Vice and as a producer at NBC News. She has also worked on notable projects, including a Peabody Award-winning segment on white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va. Her diverse experience in news production and content development positions her well for her new role at MS NOW.

Rebecca Kutler, the president of MS NOW, has been focused on enhancing the network’s newsgathering capabilities by bringing in journalists like Thomas who bring a wealth of experience and credibility to the team. This strategic move aligns with MS NOW’s commitment to delivering in-depth and impactful reporting, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

Despite CBS News’s efforts to retain her as a contributor or on-air analyst, Thomas made the decision to join MS NOW, where she sees an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping coverage of the upcoming election cycle. Sudeep Reddy, MS NOW’s Washington bureau chief, emphasized Thomas’s addition as a key asset in positioning the network at the forefront of the 2026 election coverage.

As Thomas embarks on this new chapter in her career, MS NOW looks forward to leveraging her expertise and insights to engage and inform audiences during this critical political period. Stay tuned for more updates as Thomas settles into her role at MS NOW.