Nick Schmit is best known as the husband of journalist and MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart, but his own story stands on its own merit. Born in North Dakota and educated in political science, Schmit built a quiet yet influential career in U.S. diplomacy before stepping into public view through his marriage to one of America’s most recognized political commentators. His path from a small Midwestern town to the halls of the U.S. State Department reflects years of steady, behind-the-scenes public service. This article walks through his background, career, and marriage, along with a quick-reference bio table and answers to common questions readers ask about him.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nick Schmit |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1980 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Education | University of North Dakota (Political Science, 2002) |
| Occupation | Global Public Affairs Strategist |
| Former Role | Assistant Chief of Protocol, U.S. State Department (2009–2017) |
| Spouse | Jonathan Capehart (married January 7, 2017) |
| Mother | Jan Schmit |
| Sibling | Sara Schmit-Krause |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. |
Early Life and Education
Nick Schmit was born on December 30, 1980, in the United States and grew up with his mother, Jan Schmit, alongside three siblings, including his sister, Sara Schmit-Krause. He developed an early interest in public service and government affairs, a passion that would shape his entire career path.
Schmit attended the University of North Dakota, where he studied political science and graduated in 2002. That academic foundation prepared him for the diplomatic and public affairs roles he would later hold in Washington, D.C.
Career in Public Service
After college, Schmit began his professional life at the Clinton Foundation, gaining early exposure to public policy and philanthropic work. He later returned to the organization for a second stint before shifting into government service full time.
In 2009, Schmit joined the U.S. Department of State as assistant chief of protocol, a role he held for eight years under both Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry. In this position, he helped coordinate diplomatic visits and official ceremonies, work that required precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of international customs. He now works as a global public affairs strategist, applying the same skills to advocacy and public relations outside government.
Meeting Jonathan Capehart
Schmit and Capehart were introduced in 2011 through a mutual connection tied to the Human Rights Campaign. Their first attempt at a meeting did not lead anywhere right away, since Capehart was already in a relationship at the time. A second introduction roughly six months later finally sparked their connection.
The two dated for several years before Capehart proposed in May 2016 during a vacation on the Amalfi Coast in Positano, Italy. Their relationship grew steadily during a period of major legal change for same-sex couples in the United States, including the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Marriage and Wedding Ceremony
Nick Schmit and Jonathan Capehart married on January 7, 2017, at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder officiated the ceremony and later said it was the first time he had cried while performing a wedding.
Both mothers attended the celebration, along with notable guests such as MSNBC anchor Tamron Hall, Valerie Jarrett, and Ford Foundation president Darren Walker. During the ceremony, Schmit spoke his vows first, promising to stand by his husband through both good times and hard ones, while Capehart shared vows inspired by song lyrics meaningful to their relationship.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Unlike his husband, who appears regularly on television and in print, Schmit keeps a low public profile. He rarely gives interviews and prefers to let his work speak through results rather than headlines.
His approach to advocacy, particularly around LGBTQ+ visibility, reflects steady, consistent effort rather than public statements. Many who follow the couple describe their marriage as a meaningful symbol of representation, especially given the timing of their wedding shortly after marriage equality became federal law.
Conclusion
Nick Schmit’s story goes well beyond his marriage to a well-known journalist. Through years of quiet, dedicated public service and a partnership built on shared values, he has carved out a meaningful path of his own in Washington’s diplomatic and advocacy circles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nick Schmit?
Nick Schmit is a global public affairs strategist and former U.S. State Department official, best known as the husband of journalist Jonathan Capehart.
When did Nick Schmit marry Jonathan Capehart?
The couple married on January 7, 2017, at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C., in a ceremony officiated by former Attorney General Eric Holder.
What did Nick Schmit do at the State Department?
He served as assistant chief of protocol from 2009 to 2017, coordinating diplomatic visits and official events under Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.
Where did Nick Schmit go to college?
He attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 2002 with a degree in political science.
How did Nick Schmit and Jonathan Capehart meet?
A mutual acquaintance connected to the Human Rights Campaign introduced them in 2011, and their relationship developed steadily over the following years.
