Natalie Bomke is an Emmy-nominated broadcast journalist and television anchor who co-anchors Good Day Chicago on FOX 32 News. She gained recognition for her award-winning reporting on military veterans and community stories across Chicago. Born into a political family in Springfield, Illinois, Bomke has built a successful career spanning multiple markets while balancing motherhood with her husband, former Bachelorette winner Ed Swiderski.
Natalie Bomke Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Natalie J. Bomke |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | January 29, 1982 |
| Age | 44 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Springfield, Illinois, United States |
| Current residence | Riverside, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Body measurements | 35-25-35 inches |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Ed Swiderski (m. 2015) |
| Children | Two (Olive Mae, born May 2020; baby boy expected early 2026) |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| Profession | Broadcast journalist, news anchor, reporter |
| Net worth | $1 million – $2 million (estimated) |
Who is Natalie Bomke?
Natalie Bomke is a prominent American television journalist known for her energetic morning presence on FOX 32 Chicago’s Good Day Chicago.
Born on January 29, 1982, in Springfield, Illinois, she grew up in a politically connected family as the daughter of Larry Bomke, a former Illinois State Senator who served from 1995 to 2013.
Her passion for storytelling emerged early. As a talkative child, Bomke channeled her communication skills into journalism, competing in the Miss Illinois pageant in 2003 where she placed in the top ten.
She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in broadcast journalism and a major in political science.
How old is Natalie Bomke? Age and birthday
Natalie Bomke is 44 years old as of January 2026. She was born on January 29, 1982, in Springfield, Illinois. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius, which aligns with her friendly and community-oriented personality.
Natalie Bomke’s height, weight, and body measurements
Natalie Bomke stands 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and weighs approximately 132 pounds (60 kg). Her body measurements are 35-25-35 inches.
She maintains an active lifestyle and balanced fitness routine. The television anchor has blonde hair and blue eyes, contributing to her recognizable on-screen presence.
What is Natalie Bomke’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Natalie Bomke’s net worth is estimated at $1 million to $2 million. She earns an estimated annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 from her position as co-anchor at FOX 32 Chicago.
Her wealth comes primarily from her two-decade career in television journalism across multiple major markets. She built her fortune through steady career advancement from smaller markets in Central Illinois to Sacramento, Houston, and finally Chicago, one of the largest media markets in the United States.
In December 2020, Bomke and her husband sold their five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood for $900,000 before relocating to Riverside, Illinois.
Career
Early Career Beginnings
Natalie Bomke started her broadcast journalism career immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois in June 2004.
Her first professional role was at WICD-TV in Champaign and WICS-TV in her hometown of Springfield, Illinois.
She worked as a general assignment reporter and weekend morning anchor, covering local news stories that shaped Central Illinois communities.
Rising Through the Markets
After establishing herself in Illinois, Bomke moved to larger markets to expand her experience. She worked at KCRA in Sacramento, California, where she refined her reporting skills.
Her next significant career move took her to Houston, Texas, where she joined KRIV-TV (FOX 26) as a morning news anchor and reporter.
FOX 32 Chicago
In September 2013, Natalie Bomke joined WFLD-TV FOX 32 News in Chicago, fulfilling her childhood dream of anchoring in her home state’s largest city.
She initially worked as a breaking news reporter and weekend anchor before earning a coveted position co-anchoring Good Day Chicago, the station’s weekday morning show that airs from 4:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
Her reporting style focuses on positive community stories, human interest features, and investigative journalism. Bomke serves as the “Good News Reporter,” highlighting uplifting stories throughout the Chicago area.
Awards and Recognition
In 2019, Bomke received the prestigious Chicago Headline Club Peter Lisagor Award for her investigative coverage of dental care gaps for military veterans.
Her reporting series, featuring the organization Smiles for Veterans, exposed how restricted medical coverage leaves many veterans without proper dental treatment, forcing them into financial hardship.
She has also been nominated for Emmy Awards multiple times throughout her career for excellence in broadcast journalism.
Is Natalie Bomke married? Husband and children
Natalie Bomke is married to Ed Swiderski, a marketing technology executive and former reality television personality. The couple married on July 25, 2015, in a sunset ceremony at The Crown on the 25th floor of Chicago’s iconic Tribune Tower.
Ed Swiderski Background
Ed Swiderski, born July 20, 1979, gained national recognition as the winner of Season 5 of ABC’s The Bachelorette in 2009, where he won the heart of Jillian Harris. Their engagement ended in 2010.
Ed works as a marketing technology executive and is CEO of Klever, a CRM and marketing automation platform. He has also co-authored the book “Pinterest For Business.”
How they met
The couple’s modern romance began through social media. Ed spotted Natalie while watching FOX 32 News and reached out to her via Twitter in 2013. Their connection grew, and they dated for approximately two years before getting engaged.
Children
Natalie and Ed Bomke have two children together. Their daughter, Olive Mae Swiderski, was born in May 2020. The couple announced they were expecting their second child, a baby boy, in September 2025, with a due date in early 2026.
Natalie shared the pregnancy announcement on Instagram, expressing that “Olive is over the moon to be a big sis.”
Social Media Presence
As of January 2026, Natalie Bomke maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @nataliebomkelive, where she has approximately 18,000 followers.
Her bio describes herself as “Suburban Mom | Cat Lady | Potato Chip Fan | Wanna Be Wienermobile Driver | Lover of Chicago.”
She uses the platform to share behind-the-scenes content from Good Day Chicago, family moments with her daughter Olive, and community stories.
She also maintains a Facebook page, “Natalie Bomke Fox 32 Chicago,” with over 145,000 followers, where she engages with viewers and shares news segments. On Twitter/X (@NatalieBomke), she connects with her audience and promotes her reporting.
Fast Facts about Natalie Bomke
- Political Family Background: Natalie’s father, Larry Bomke, served 18 years in the Illinois State Senate representing the 50th district from 1995 to 2013.
- Beauty Pageant Contestant: She competed in the Miss Illinois pageant in 2003, placing in the top ten. She later hosted the Miss Chicago pageant in 2018.
- Illinois State Fair Recognition: As a child, she won a ribbon at the Illinois State Fair for having the longest ponytail.
- Special Olympics Advocate: Natalie’s cousin, Theresa, is a former Special Olympian. Bomke regularly volunteers and hosts events benefiting Special Olympics Illinois, including the annual Chicago Polar Plunge.
- Animal Lover: She is a dedicated animal advocate who volunteers with PAWS Chicago, Treehouse Humane Society, and Harmony House for Cats. She shares her Riverside home with multiple adopted pets.
- University of Illinois Super Fan: Bomke is an enthusiastic Fighting Illini supporter and serves on the College of Media Dean’s Board at her alma mater.
- Bachelorette Connection: Her husband Ed Swiderski famously left The Bachelorette competition mid-season to focus on his Microsoft career, then returned and won the final rose from Jillian Harris.
- College Media Experience: During her time at the University of Illinois, Bomke gained hands-on experience through campus media organizations and internships that prepared her for professional journalism.
- Veterans Reporting Focus: She dedicates significant reporting to military veterans’ needs, highlighting both their challenges and extraordinary abilities in communities across Chicagoland.
- Good Day Chicago Schedule: Bomke wakes up at 2:30 AM on weekdays to prepare for her early morning anchor duties, which begin at 4:30 AM.
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Wrapping Up
Natalie Bomke has established herself as one of Chicago’s most beloved morning news anchors through her authentic storytelling, community engagement, and dedication to positive journalism.
From her Springfield roots to the FOX 32 anchor desk, she represents a new generation of broadcast journalists who balance professional excellence with personal authenticity.
With her growing family and continued success at Good Day Chicago, Bomke remains a trusted voice for Chicagoland viewers.
References
- FOX 32 Chicago. Natalie Bomke | FOX 32 Chicago.
- University of Illinois Alumni Association. Dream Achiever.
- People Magazine. Ed Swiderski Hands Out a Final Rose to His New Chicago Bride.
- Wikipedia. Ed Swiderski.
- Wikipedia. Larry Bomke.
- Robert Feder. Is this the face of the future for Fox?.
- Meister Sports Management. Natalie Bomke.
- Chicago Headline Club. Peter Lisagor Awards 2019.
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