Selling campaign buttons for Robert F. Kennedy at age 13 provided the initial exposure to electoral politics for the Lower East Side native. This early experience eventually led to a career spanning high-stakes consultancy, journalism, and senior government advisory roles, cementing a long-standing reputation as a primary strategist for Democratic candidates throughout the United States.
Early Development and Journalism
Born in 1955, Axelrod grew up in the Stuyvesant Town area of Manhattan. His mother, Myril Bennett, worked as a journalist and advertising executive, while his father, Joseph, was a psychologist who had emigrated from Eastern Europe. After graduating from Stuyvesant High School in 1972, he attended the University of Chicago, where he majored in political science and contributed to the Hyde Park Herald. Following graduation, he spent eight years at the Chicago Tribune, becoming the publication's youngest political writer in 1981 and eventually serving as its city hall bureau chief.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Consultancy and Urban Politics
Axelrod transitioned into campaign management in 1984 as communications director for Paul Simon's U.S. Senate bid. In 1985, he founded his own consultancy firm, Axelrod & Associates. He gained significant prominence for managing mayoral campaigns for candidates including Chicago's Harold Washington and Richard M. Daley. His professional scope expanded to include national figures such as John Edwards in 2004 and various mayoral races across cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Houston, while maintaining a focus on urban political strategy.
National Strategy and Government Service
The relationship with Barack Obama began in the early 1990s, culminating in Axelrod's role as chief strategist for the 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. Between these electoral efforts, he served as Senior Advisor to the President of the United States from 2009 to 2011. Following his work in the White House, he retired from political consulting to lead the University of Chicago Institute of Politics from 2012 until 2023. Since 2015, he has operated as a Senior Political Commentator for CNN.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955
- Birthplace: Lower East Side, New York
- Education: Stuyvesant High School, University of Chicago
- Senior Advisor to the President: 2009-2011
- Director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics: 2012-2023
- CNN Senior Political Commentator since: 2015
Questions readers ask
What was David Axelrod's early career focus?
He worked as a political journalist and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, eventually becoming city hall bureau chief.
Which presidential campaigns did he lead?
He served as the chief strategist for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Chicago and Stuyvesant High School
- Worked as journalist, politician and writer
