Nick Schmit is best known as the husband of famous journalist Jonathan Capehart, but his own story is just as interesting. Born on December 30, 1980, Nick has built a strong career in government work and public service. He worked at the U.S. State Department for many years and is now a global public affairs strategist. While his husband appears on TV, Nick prefers to work quietly behind the scenes, helping to shape important diplomatic events and social causes.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Nick Schmit |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1980 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Education | University of North Dakota |
| Occupation | Global Public Affairs Strategist |
| Previous Role | Assistant Chief of Protocol, U.S. State Department |
| Spouse | Jonathan Capehart (married January 7, 2017) |
| Mother | Jan Schmit |
| Siblings | Three (including sister Sara Schmit-Krause) |
| Net Worth | Around $1-2 million |
Early Life and Education
Nick Schmit grew up in the United States with his mother, Jan Schmit, and three siblings. One of his siblings is his sister, Sara Schmit-Krause, who works at Cargill. From a young age, Nick showed an interest in helping others and working in public service.
After finishing high school, Nick went to the University of North Dakota, where he studied and graduated in 2002. His education prepared him well for a future career in government and international affairs.
Career Journey
Starting at the Clinton Foundation
Nick began his professional career right after college. His first job was at the Clinton Foundation, where he worked as the Director of Finance from 2002 to 2004. This role helped him learn important skills about managing money and working with large organizations. It was a great start to his career in public service.
Working in New York
After leaving the Clinton Foundation, Nick moved to New York. There, he took on the job of supervising the state’s yearly budget. This was an important position that required careful planning and attention to detail.
Hillary Clinton’s Campaign
In 2006, Nick joined Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, which was called “Hillary for America.” He worked as the compliance director, making sure the campaign followed all the rules and laws. This experience taught him a lot about politics and campaigns.
U.S. State Department
Nick’s biggest career success came in 2009 when he joined the U.S. State Department. He was given the important role of Assistant Chief of Protocol. This job meant he had to organize visits from foreign leaders and manage important diplomatic events. He worked under two Secretaries of State: first Hillary Clinton (2009-2013), and then John Kerry (2013-2017).
As the Assistant Chief of Protocol, Nick had to understand different cultures and customs from around the world. He made sure that when important people from other countries visited America, everything went smoothly and respectfully. This work was very important for keeping good relationships between the United States and other nations.
Current Work
Today, Nick works as a Global Public Affairs Strategist. This means he helps organizations and governments understand international issues and make good decisions. He uses all the experience he gained at the State Department to advise on policy and diplomatic matters.
Meeting Jonathan Capehart
Nick’s personal life changed in 2010 when he met Jonathan Capehart. The story of how they met is quite interesting. A friend named Jed Hastings wanted to introduce them. Jed was married to Joe Solmonese, who was the president of the Human Rights Campaign.
In the spring of 2010, Jed first talked to Jonathan about Nick. He told Jonathan that Nick had just moved to Washington and was single. However, Jonathan was already in a relationship at that time, so nothing happened.
But Jed did not give up. Six months later, he contacted Jonathan again through Facebook. This time, he even sent Jonathan a photo of Nick. Jonathan was impressed and asked to meet Nick. They started talking through messages, and Jonathan noticed that Nick wrote very well and used correct grammar.
When they finally met in person, both men were impressed with each other. They had long conversations about many topics, including their 13-year age difference, their political views, and even where they got their haircuts. They quickly realized they were perfect for each other.
The Proposal
After several years together, Jonathan decided to propose to Nick. The proposal happened on May 16, 2016, during a trip to Positano, Italy. This beautiful location on the Amalfi Coast made the moment even more special.
The decision to get married came after the U.S. Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal across America in 2015. Jonathan’s friends, especially Valerie Jarrett (who worked as an advisor to President Barack Obama), encouraged him to propose. Valerie shared advice that President Obama gave to young men in serious relationships: if you love someone and know they want to marry you, then you should get married.
The Wedding
Nick and Jonathan got married on January 7, 2017, at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was special for many reasons. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder agreed to perform the wedding. During the ceremony, Holder became so emotional that he had to stop and wipe away tears. He later said it was the first time he had ever cried while officiating a wedding.
Both of their mothers attended the wedding: Jan Schmit (Nick’s mother) and Margaret Capehart (Jonathan’s mother). Many important people from politics, journalism, and advocacy groups came to celebrate with them. Guests included Tamron Hall (an MSNBC anchor), Valerie Jarrett, and Darren Walker (president of the Ford Foundation).
During the ceremony, Nick spoke his vows first, promising to love his “best friend” in both bright and dark days. Jonathan then shared his vows, reading lyrics from the song “That’s All.”
Originally, the couple had planned to marry in the fall at a different location called the Meridian House. However, after the 2016 election, they changed their plans. They wanted to get married while an administration that supported LGBTQ+ rights was still in office.
Life as a Public Couple
Even though Jonathan appears regularly on television and writes for major newspapers, Nick and Jonathan keep their private life mostly private. They live together in a duplex in Washington, D.C., and have built a strong, loving relationship.
Their marriage is important for more than just personal reasons. As a visible same-sex couple in Washington’s political and media circles, they represent progress and equality. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community see them as role models, showing that successful careers and happy marriages are possible.
Supporting Each Other
Nick and Jonathan have a partnership based on mutual respect and support. While Jonathan works in front of cameras, Nick prefers to work behind the scenes. This balance works perfectly for them.
Friends and colleagues often talk about how well they complement each other. Nick supports Jonathan’s brave voice in journalism, while Jonathan appreciates Nick’s humble approach to public service. They share the same values about equality, justice, and making the world a better place.
Advocacy and Community Work
Both Nick and Jonathan are involved in causes that matter to them. They support LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and mental health programs. By living openly and proudly as a married couple, they help fight against discrimination and show others that love is love, no matter who you are.
Their visibility matters, especially for young LGBTQ+ people who might be looking for role models. Nick and Jonathan show that you can be successful, respected, and true to yourself at the same time.
Conclusion
Nick Schmit’s life shows us that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a big impact. Through his work in government, his commitment to public service, and his support for important causes, he has helped make the world a little better.
His marriage to Jonathan Capehart is not just a beautiful love story—it’s also a symbol of progress and equality. Together, they show that love, hard work, and dedication can create positive change in the world.
Whether he’s organizing diplomatic events, advising on global affairs, or supporting his husband’s career, Nick Schmit continues to lead with integrity, kindness, and purpose. His story reminds us that true success comes from staying true to your values and working hard to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Nick Schmit do for work?
Nick Schmit currently works as a Global Public Affairs Strategist. Before this, he spent eight years at the U.S. State Department as the Assistant Chief of Protocol, where he organized important diplomatic events and managed visits from foreign leaders.
2. How did Nick Schmit meet Jonathan Capehart?
Nick met Jonathan in 2010 through a mutual friend named Jed Hastings. Jed introduced them through Facebook after trying once before. They started talking online, then met in person, and quickly fell in love.
3. When did Nick Schmit and Jonathan Capehart get married?
They got married on January 7, 2017, at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was performed by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
4. What is Nick Schmit’s educational background?
Nick graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2002. His education prepared him for his career in public service and international affairs.
5. What is Nick Schmit’s net worth?
Nick’s net worth is around $1-2 million, earned from his successful career in government and public affairs. His husband Jonathan has a net worth of about $3 million from his journalism career.
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