Elaine Quijano is a distinguished American television journalist known for her extensive work as an anchor and correspondent for CBS News, particularly for CBSN, the network’s 24-hour digital streaming news service. Renowned for her versatility and professionalism, Quijano has made history as the first Asian American and the first digital network anchor to moderate a national general election debate in the United States. Her career spans over two decades, marked by coverage of major news events, a commitment to journalistic integrity, and a passion for storytelling that has resonated with audiences across the country.
Table of Contents
Facts About Elaine Quijano
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Names | Elaine Cagas Quijano |
| Age/ Date of Birth | 51 years/ 21 January 1974 |
| Parents | Filipinos |
| Ethnicity | second-generation Filipino American |
| Husband | To be updated |
| Net Worth | $3 to $5 million |
| Salary | To be updated |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
Maurice DuBois Net Worth, Salary, Wife, Ethnicity, Son, CBS News, Age, Parents
Jericka Duncan Husband, Daughter, Married, Net Worth, CBS, Age, Salary, Family,
Kira Kosarin Net Worth, Husband, Height, Songs, Relationships, Ethnicity
Early Life and Education
Elaine Cagas Quijano was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs of Skokie and Morton Grove, Illinois. She is a second-generation Filipino American, a fact that has shaped both her personal identity and her professional perspective. Her mother immigrated to the United States from Batangas, Philippines, where she overcame significant adversity to earn a college degree and build a better life for her children.
Quijano has often spoken about her mother’s resilience, noting that her mother’s determination inspired her own pursuit of education and career success. Whereas her father is from Davao City, Philippines. Quijano initially enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with the intention of studying engineering. However, her curiosity was piqued by a journalism class taught by Robin Neal Kaler.
A memorable classroom exercise—where Kaler staged a fake crime to test students’ powers of observation—sparked Quijano’s interest in broadcast journalism. She switched her major and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1995.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Her early interest in journalism was evident as she began her career while still in college, interning at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Illinois in 1994, eventually becoming a reporter, producer, and anchor there. After gaining initial experience at WCIA-TV, Quijano moved on in 1998 to work as a general assignment reporter for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida. Her early reporting covered a broad range of topics, which prepared her for the more demanding roles that followed.
In December 2000, Quijano joined CNN Newsource, an affiliate of CNN, as a correspondent. Her tenure at CNN was marked by coverage of some of the most significant news events of the early 21st century. She reported on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, providing critical updates to audiences across the country.
Quijano’s reporting took her to Kuwait City shortly before the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, where she remained for about a month, covering the lead-up to the conflict from the front lines. She also reported on the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and the Beltway sniper attacks, demonstrating her ability to handle high-pressure, emotionally charged assignments with professionalism and empathy.
In 2006, Quijano was named a White House correspondent for CNN, a role that placed her at the center of national and international political news. She covered the George W. Bush administration’s War on Terror, the push for comprehensive immigration reform, and the 2008 financial crisis. Her reporting was noted for its depth, accuracy, and fairness, earning her respect from colleagues and viewers alike.
Prior to being named White House correspondent in 2006, she covered high-profile beats including the Pentagon, the Supreme Court, and major political campaigns such as President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election and vice presidential candidate John Edwards’ campaign.
Transition to CBS News
Quijano left CNN on December 23, 2009, and joined CBS News in early 2010 as a general assignment reporter. Based in New York City, she quickly became a key member of the CBS News team, covering major events such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Role at CBSN and Anchoring
Elaine Quijano is an anchor for CBSN, CBS News’ 24-hour digital streaming network, where she has anchored critical political coverage, including primary elections, debates, and political conventions during the 2016 presidential campaign. As an anchor for CBSN, Quijano has played a pivotal role in the network’s digital expansion. She also anchored the Sunday edition of the “CBS Weekend News” from 2016 to 2020 and her reporting regularly appears on “CBS This Morning” and the “CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley“.
Quijano’s reporting has been recognized with prestigious awards, including an Alfred I. duPont Award for the network’s coverage of the 2012 Newtown shootings. In 2011, she made headlines with a report revealing that the White House did not send presidential condolence letters to the families of service members who died by suicide. Her investigation prompted President Barack Obama to reverse the policy, a testament to the impact of her journalism.
Historic Role as Debate Moderator
In 2016, Elaine Quijano made history when she was selected by the Commission on Presidential Debates to moderate the vice presidential debate between Republican Mike Pence and Democrat Tim Kaine at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. At age 42, Quijano became the first Asian American to moderate a U.S. general election debate for national office, as well as the youngest journalist to moderate a debate since 1988. She was also the first digital network anchor to be chosen for such a role, reflecting the growing importance of digital journalism in the American media landscape.
Quijano’s performance as moderator was widely analyzed and debated. While some critics felt she could have been more forceful in keeping the candidates on topic, others praised her poise and professionalism in a challenging environment. At one point, she reminded the candidates, “Gentlemen, the people at home cannot understand you when you speak over each other,” and later steered the discussion back to the intended topic, saying, “I’ll remind you both, the topic was North Korea”.
Her moderation was seen as a milestone for diversity in American political journalism, with many viewers expressing appreciation for seeing a woman of color in such a prominent role.
Current Role and Ongoing Impact
As of 2025, Elaine Quijano continues to be a prominent figure at CBS News. She serves as a weekend mornings anchor for CBS New York and a correspondent for CBS News and Stations, contributing to all CBS News broadcasts and platforms with a particular focus on health and wellness. Her reporting is featured across television and digital media, reflecting her adaptability and commitment to reaching audiences wherever they consume news.
Husband
Quijano is recognized for keeping her personal life extremely private. Multiple reputable sources confirm that there is no public record or credible report of Elaine Quijano being married or having a husband. There is no information available regarding a wedding, spouse, or marital status for Elaine Quijano. Reports consistently state that she is possibly single and has not been married.
Due to this, the audience has frequently questioned Elaine’s sexuality. Nonetheless, we can neither confirm nor deny that Quijano is gay or straight.
Net Worth and Salary
Quijano’s wealth primarily stems from her longstanding career in broadcast journalism. Elaine has an estimated net worth in 2025 of approximately $3 to $5 million. While Elaine Quijano’s exact salary for 2025 has not been publicly updated, her annual earnings are estimated to be substantial, given her senior correspondent and anchor roles at a major network like CBS News. Additionally, Elaine’s net worth growth over the years reflects a successful career in high-profile journalism roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Elaine Quijano?
Elaine Quijano is an American television journalist and anchor for CBS News and CBSN, known for her historic role as the first Asian American and digital network anchor to moderate a U.S. general election debate.
Where is Elaine Quijano now?
As of 2025, Quijano is a weekend mornings anchor for CBS New York and a correspondent for CBS News and Stations, contributing to all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.
What is Elaine Quijano’s educational background?
Quijano holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which she earned in 1995.
When did Elaine Quijano join CBS News?
Elaine Quijano joined CBS News in early 2010 as a general assignment reporter based in New York City.
What is Elaine Quijano’s ethnic background?
Elaine Quijano is a second-generation Filipino American. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs of Skokie and Morton Grove, Illinois.
What are some major stories Elaine Quijano has reported on for CBS News?
At CBS, she has covered Hurricane Sandy (2012), the Boston Marathon bombings (2013), the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre (2012), and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. She has also anchored political coverage, including primary elections, debates, and conventions during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Is Elaine Quijano married?
Quijano is not publicly known to be married as of 2025. There is no available information about her having a husband or children, and she has kept her personal life private.