Dr. Basil Anthony Smikle Jr. is a distinguished political strategist, policy advisor, and Professor of Practice at Columbia University. He is recognized for his work as an MSNow Political Analyst and his service as the former Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. The Bronx native built a career spanning politics, academia, and media, serving as a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton and becoming a trusted voice on electoral politics and public policy across national media platforms.
Basil Smikle Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Basil Anthony Smikle Jr. |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | January 12, 1972 |
| Age | 54 years old (as of January 2026) |
| Place of birth | Bronx, New York, United States |
| Current residence | New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jamaican-American |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) |
| Weight | 211 lbs (96 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Ex-spouse | Marjorie Fields Harris (m. 2001-2008) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alma mater | Cornell University (B.S.), Columbia University (MPA, Ph.D.) |
| Profession | Political strategist, professor, policy advisor, political analyst |
| Net worth | $1-2 million (estimated) |
Who is Basil Smikle?
Basil Smikle is an American political strategist, professor, and media personality who has shaped political discourse for over three decades.
He serves as Professor of Practice and Director of the M.S. program in nonprofit management at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies.
As an MSNow (formerly MSNBC) Political Analyst, he provides insights on electoral politics, governance, and public policy.
Born and raised in the Bronx during the crack epidemic and white flight, Smikle’s childhood experiences fueled his passion for public service and education.
His father worked as a textile worker while his mother spent her career as a public school special education teacher. These influences shaped his commitment to social justice and political activism.
How old is Basil Smikle? Age and birthday
Basil Smikle is 54 years old as of January 2026. He was born on January 12, 1972, in the Bronx, New York. His zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Basil Smikle’s height, weight, and physical appearance
Basil Smikle stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (187 cm) and weighs approximately 211 lbs (96 kg). He has black hair and brown eyes.
What is Basil Smikle’s net worth?
As of 2026, Basil Smikle’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. He earns income from multiple sources including his Columbia University professorship, political consulting work, media appearances, and speaking engagements.
His estimated annual income ranges from $24,000 to $72,000 from his teaching position, supplemented by consulting fees and media contracts.
He built this wealth through decades of work in political strategy, public policy consulting, academic appointments, and regular media contributions.
Career
Early career and political beginnings
Smikle’s political career began during his time at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations in 1993.
He later obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in 1996.
Work with Hillary Clinton
He served as a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton during her first campaign for U.S. Senate and later on her Senate staff as Deputy State Director.
Clinton praised him as a “key advisor and tremendous public servant who makes sure all voices are heard.” During his tenure, he advised Senator Clinton on statewide policy and politics.
Executive Director of New York State Democratic Party
In 2015, Basil was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Governor David Paterson to serve as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, a position he held until December 2018.
As the “second highest ranking Democrat” in New York State, he managed party operations, electoral strategy, and political outreach.
Academic career
Smikle completed his Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 2019.
He has held teaching positions at multiple institutions, including Columbia University, Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, Rutgers University, and the City University of New York.
As of 2026, he directs the M.S. program in nonprofit management at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where he prepares students for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.
Media presence
As an MSNow Political Analyst, Smikle appears regularly on CNN, NY1, and other news outlets. His commentary covers electoral politics, governance, urban policy, and education reform.
He has been featured discussing presidential campaigns, congressional races, and state-level political dynamics.
Is Basil Smikle married? Wife and relationship status
Basil Smikle is currently single and divorced. He was previously married to Marjorie Fields Harris, who served as executive director of the National Action Network under Rev. Al Sharpton.
The couple married on May 26, 2001, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in New York City, with their reception held at the National Arts Club.
Their wedding took place during a hectic period, as Harris was working to secure Rev. Sharpton’s release from jail in Puerto Rico just days before the ceremony. The couple divorced in September 2003, ending their marriage after approximately two years.
Marjorie Fields Harris is a civil rights advocate and political organizer who played a prominent role in the National Action Network. The couple met in January 2000 during Hillary Clinton’s senatorial campaign.
Information about whether Basil Smikle has children has not been publicly disclosed.
Basil Smikle’s family background
Basil Smikle was born and raised in the Bronx by Jamaican immigrant parents. His father, Basil Smikle Sr., worked as a textile worker, while his mother, Faith Smikle, dedicated her career to public education as a special education teacher in New York City public schools.
Growing up during the crack epidemic and white flight in the Bronx, Smikle witnessed violence that claimed the lives of many friends.
His family’s political involvement and civil rights advocacy, combined with his mother’s and grandmother’s emphasis on education and perseverance, shaped his commitment to public service.
Education
Basil Smikle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 1993.
He received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in 1996.
He completed his Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 2019.
Social media presence
As of January 2026, Basil Smikle maintains an active presence on social media platforms. He uses Twitter/X under the handle @BasilSmiklePhD, where he shares political commentary and engages with current events.
His Instagram account @basilanthony features his media appearances, academic work, and public policy discussions.
His social media platforms serve as extensions of his academic and political work, where he discusses electoral politics, governance issues, and education policy. He regularly shares insights on political campaigns, policy debates, and his appearances on MSNow and other news networks.
Fast facts about Basil Smikle
- Basil Smikle is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, and 100 Black Men of New York, where he helped start the Organization Mentoring Program.
- He grew up during the crack epidemic in the Bronx, where many of his childhood friends were killed or imprisoned.
- City Hall Magazine once named him one of 50 rising stars in New York politics.
- The L.A. Times featured him as part of “Harlem’s New Political Elite.”
- He serves as a Trustee of Cornell University’s Institute of Politics and Global Affairs.
- His parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, inspiring his dedication to civil rights and social justice.
- He met his ex-wife Marjorie Harris during Hillary Clinton’s 2000 Senate campaign.
- He has been providing political commentary on national media outlets for over a decade.
- His doctoral research focused on the intersection of politics and education policy.
- He regularly speaks at universities, conferences, and public policy forums across the United States.
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Wrapping up
Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. represents a unique blend of political strategy, academic excellence, and media influence.
From his roots in the Bronx to his leadership roles in New York Democratic politics and Columbia University, he continues to shape political discourse.
His work as a professor, political analyst, and former state Democratic Party leader positions him as a respected voice in American politics. As of 2026, he remains active in academia, media, and public policy advocacy.
References
- Columbia SIPA. “Basil Smikle | Columbia SIPA”.
- Columbia University School of Professional Studies. “Basil Smikle Jr., Ph.D.”.
- Hunter College. “Basil Smikle Named New Director of Public Policy Program at Roosevelt House”.
- The New York Times. “WEDDINGS: VOWS; Marjorie Harris and Basil Smikle Jr.”.
- Cornell University ILR School. “Alumni Giving 2022 Konvitz Lecture”.
- Rutgers SPAA. “Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. Joins Rutgers SPAA Faculty as Assistant Teaching Professor”.
- Columbia SPS. “Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. On His Journey to Becoming Director of Columbia’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management Program”.
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