5 Fun Facts About Steve Kornacki: Diet Coke to Khakis

Leave it to Steve Kornacki and his Big Board to break the news.

Whether it’s the start of March Madness or the end of the 2024 presidential election season, Kornacki has been a resource for NBC News viewers hoping to get analysis on the biggest stories of the day.

Typically dressed in his now-signature khakis, Kornacki has developed quite the following as he breaks down schedules, data and ever-changing numbers on his Big Board or the “Kornacki cam.”

“It’s a lot of spreadsheets, a lot of numbers, a lot of trying to memorize things,” Kornacki told the Today show when discussing how he prepares for big coverage nights. “I say 99 percent of what I prepare for I will never put on the air, but you don’t know what that 1 percent is.”

As the Boston University grad prepares to cover another election as a journalist, keep reading to learn more about his life away from the big board:

Steve Kornacki Needs His Diet Coke

When his work schedule calls for early mornings and long nights with NBC News, Kornack relies on Diet Coke to stay hydrated and energized.

“I couldn’t even tell you how many [I drink],” he told GQ in November 2020. “It’s just sort of a constant supply. … On a normal day, I’ll have a couple. But on election night, I just keep it nearby and I’m just kind of regularly using it.”

In response to viewers who warn him that Diet Coke may not be the healthiest of beverage choices, Kornacki acknowledges that he doesn’t know what’s in the product. “I guess it is supposed to be bad for you,” he joked.

In November 2024, Kornacki received a basket of Diet Coke and Nutter Butter cookies from the Today show to keep him fueled for Decision Day.

Steve Kornacki’s Secrets to Keeping Calm and Carrying On

Whether he’s covering football season stats or election night polling, Kornacki has learned that numbers can change quickly and without warning.

While he loves walking six miles to and from his office in New York City’s Rockefeller Center every day, Kornacki doesn’t have a big secret to stress relief.

“Everybody’s recommended stuff to me,” he told GQ. “I’m very bad at it. I try to do the deep breathing exercises and I end up panicking in the middle of them and it never goes well.”

Steve Kornacki Loves His Mom

Although Kornacki likes to keep his personal life off social media, the NBC News and MSNBC national political correspondent has provided a glimpse into his family life by sharing photos of his mom via Instagram.

Whether wishing her a happy birthday or gifting her records for music night, Kornacki can’t help but gush about his mom.

“I look at her in it and I see love, care and happiness,” he wrote via Instagram in September 2024 after her death. “I’m so lucky she was able to see so much of my life, even if no amount of time could ever be enough. No offense to anyone out there, but my mom was the best mom.”

Steve Kornacki Came Out as Gay in a Personal Essay

In a personal 2011 essay for Salon, Kornacki came out as gay.

“I’ve read stories from people who say they always knew they were attracted to the same sex, or that they figured it out at a young age,” he wrote. “I’m not one of them. … I was an ESPN addict as far back as elementary school. I’d also had early crushes on girls.”

After discussing his journey, Kornacki expressed how happy he was to speak his truth.

“This isn’t the start of some brand-new life,” he continued. “I actually like a lot about the one I already have. But now the fear and paranoia are gone. And my life can finally make sense to the people who matter to me.”

Steve Kornacki’s Favorite Pair of Khakis

Regular NBC News viewers have likely noticed that Kornacki often wears khakis during his live reports in front of the Big Board. New York Magazine previously investigated if the journalist has a go-to brand for his uniform. According to his producer, Kornacki loves his pants from Gap.

While Kornacki’s producer wasn’t ready to reveal the specific style, New York Magazine searched online and seemingly determined the reporter loves the Gap Modern Khakis in Straight Fit.

Watch Steve Kornacki on various platforms of NBC News, including MSNBC and Peacock.