Susan Waren is an American former political staffer, campaign consultant, and philanthropist who became widely recognized through her public life and marriage to former United States Congressman and current MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. Operating within influential political circles throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, she built a respectable career working with civic initiatives, non-profit groups, and conservative political campaigns.
Although she has maintained a private profile following her high-profile divorce, her influence on campaign strategy and her role alongside one of television’s most prominent media figures remain noteworthy. This comprehensive biography examines her early life, professional achievements in public service, family life, and her current endeavors.
| Full Name | Susan Waren |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Political Staffer, Campaign Consultant, Non-Profit Fundraiser |
| Known For | Public service work, former political career, and ex-spouse of Joe Scarborough |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Married Joe Scarborough 2001–2013) |
| Children | Katherine Clark Scarborough (b. 2002), Jack Scarborough (b. 2008) |
| Key Roles | Legislative aide, political campaign manager, non-profit outreach organizer |
Early Life and Background of Susan Waren
Understanding the journey of Susan Waren requires looking at her foundational years and early exposure to public service. Born and raised in the United States, she developed a keen interest in policy, governance, and community organizing from a young age. Her early education provided a strong grounding in communication and administrative leadership, traits that proved crucial in her political endeavors.
Growing up in a community-oriented environment, she learned the importance of active participation in local affairs. Her interest in political science and public policy led her to pursue higher education, where she refined her skills in strategic communication and organizational management. These early academic pursuits set the stage for her entry into government work and political fundraising during a dynamic era in American politics.
Entry into Politics and Fundraising
Her official career in political strategy began in the 1990s, a period marked by significant shifts in congressional leadership and legislative priorities. Susan Waren quickly established herself as an effective staffer who excelled at organizational logistics, public outreach, and campaign finance coordination. Her skill in connecting donors with legislative priorities made her a highly valued team member.
Political campaigns rely heavily on fundraising mechanics, and she proved adept at organizing events, building donor databases, and coordinating strategic communications. Working behind the scenes, she helped craft key messaging strategies for various initiatives. Her professional focus centered on policy reform, community development, and supporting political candidates who aligned with conservative legislative goals.
Meeting Joe Scarborough and Public Prominence
The life of Susan Waren took a public turn when she met Joe Scarborough, who was then serving as a Republican United States Representative for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Joe Scarborough had gained significant national attention in Washington as an energetic member of the 104th Congress, advocating for legislative reforms and fiscal discipline.
Their shared interests in governance, policy, and public strategy brought them together. Their professional interactions developed into a personal relationship, eventually bringing her into the public spotlight. As her partner’s political and media profile expanded, her role as a supportive spouse and public figure grew alongside it, making her a familiar presence in political and legislative circles.
Marriage to Joe Scarborough in 2001
In 2001, Susan Waren married Joe Scarborough in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family, close friends, and political colleagues. This marked the second marriage for both individuals. The union represented a major transition for the couple, coinciding with Joe Scarborough‘s decision to step down from his Congressional seat in October 2001 to focus on family life and private media ventures.
Their wedding was covered by regional and political news outlets, highlighting their combined dedication to political outreach and community service. Following the marriage, she took on a more prominent role within political social networks, attending legislative galas, charity events, and media gatherings while continuing her independent work in fundraising and non-profit strategy.
Building a Family and Life Together
During their 12-year marriage, Susan Waren and her husband built a home centered around family values and public service. The couple welcomed two children together: a daughter named Katherine Clark Scarborough, born in 2002, and a son named Jack Scarborough, born in 2008. She was also deeply involved as a stepmother to her husband’s two sons from his prior marriage.
Balancing a growing family with high-profile media demands required significant dedication. As her husband transitioned from elected office to national television broadcasting, she provided a stable foundation at home. Friends and colleagues from that period often noted her commitment to raising her children with privacy and strong values away from the persistent glare of media cameras.
Transition to MSNBC and the Birth of Morning Joe
After leaving Congress, Joe Scarborough launched his television broadcasting career with MSNBC, debuting the show Scarborough Country in 2003. Later, in May 2007, he launched the flagship morning news show Morning Joe. Throughout this key career transition, Susan Waren provided constant professional and personal support behind the scenes.
As Morning Joe rose to prominence as an influential cable news program, the family’s public visibility grew significantly. Managing the domestic schedule alongside the demanding broadcast hours of a national news show required exceptional organization. She maintained a balanced household, ensuring their children enjoyed a normal upbringing while navigating the family’s heightened public profile.
Professional Contributions and Philanthropy
Beyond her identity as a political spouse, Susan Waren pursued her own passions in community advocacy and non-profit leadership. Utilizing her extensive background in fundraising, she volunteered for numerous charitable foundations, educational initiatives, and healthcare causes.
Her philanthropic efforts focused primarily on child welfare, educational access, and local health programs. By applying commercial fundraising techniques to non-profit endeavors, she helped raise substantial funds for local charities. Her background as a staffer allowed her to navigate board leadership and community organizing effectively, leaving a lasting positive impact on the initiatives she supported.
Divorce from Joe Scarborough in 2013
After twelve years of marriage, Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough separated in 2012 and finalized their divorce in September 2013. The separation was handled with mutual respect and privacy, avoiding public controversies or media speculation.
In a joint statement released around the time of their divorce, both parties emphasized their ongoing commitment to co-parenting their children. The legal proceedings were settled amicably, ensuring financial stability and shared custodial arrangements for Katherine and Jack. Following the divorce, she chose to step back from public life completely to focus on her personal path and family.
Life After Divorce and Choosing Privacy
Following her divorce in 2013, Susan Waren made a deliberate choice to retreat from the public eye and media industry spotlight. Unlike many individuals connected to public figures, she refrained from television appearances, public commentary, or active social media participation.
This choice reflected her long-held preference for personal privacy over public exposure. She shifted her focus toward raising her children, engaging in low-profile consulting, and participating in private community initiatives. Her decision to maintain a private lifestyle has been widely respected by journalists and media outlets over the years.
Where is Susan Waren Today?
As of 2026, Susan Waren lives a quiet life away from political campaigns and national media networks. While her former husband remains a prominent television personality on MSNBC, she enjoys her independence and continues to support her adult children as they pursue their own educational and professional goals.
Information about her current professional projects remains private, consistent with her preference for a quiet lifestyle. Former colleagues remember her as a skilled political operative, a dedicated fundraiser, and a key figure during a pivotal era in American political media. Her legacy remains tied to her professional contributions and her steadfast devotion to her family.
Key Facts About Susan Waren
- Full Name: Susan Waren
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Former Political Staffer, Fundraiser, Campaign Consultant
- Former Spouse: Joe Scarborough (Married 2001, Divorced 2013)
- Children: Katherine Clark Scarborough (b. 2002), Jack Scarborough (b. 2008)
- Primary Area of Focus: Political fundraising, non-profit consulting, community advocacy
Conclusion
The story of Susan Waren reflects a balanced life of public service, strategic accomplishment, and dedicated family commitment. From her early work as a political staffer and fundraiser to her role during the founding years of national media benchmarks like Morning Joe, she navigated high-profile environments with grace and skill. Her choice to step away from public attention following her 2013 divorce highlights her priority on personal privacy, family strength, and individual integrity. Her impact as a fundraiser, mother, and political consultant remains a respected chapter in modern American political history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Susan Waren?
She is an American former political staffer, campaign consultant, and fundraiser best known for her work in conservative politics and her 12-year marriage to former U.S. Congressman and MSNBC host Joe Scarborough.
When did Susan Waren marry Joe Scarborough?
She married Joe Scarborough in 2001 in a private ceremony following his decision to step down from the United States House of Representatives.
How many children does Susan Waren have?
She has two biological children with Joe Scarborough: a daughter named Katherine Clark Scarborough (born in 2002) and a son named Jack Scarborough (born in 2008).
When did Susan Waren and Joe Scarborough divorce?
The couple separated in 2012 and officially finalized their divorce in September 2013 after twelve years of marriage.
What was Susan Waren’s career before her marriage?
Before her marriage, she worked as an active political staffer and professional fundraiser, coordinating financial campaigns, community outreach, and policy strategy for political initiatives.
Where is Susan Waren now?
She leads a quiet, private life off-camera, focusing on family, private consulting, and local philanthropic interests away from national media attention.