Leave it to Steve Kornacki and his Big Board to announce 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 of the biggest news stories in the daytime.

Typically dressed in his now-signature khakis, Kornacki developed all of the following by breaking down the ever-changing schedules, data and numbers on his Big Board or the “Kornacki Camera.”

“It takes a lot of spreadsheets, a lot of numbers, and a lot of effort to memorize things” Kornacki said THE Today show as we discuss how he prepares for big cover nights. “I say that 99 percent of what I prepare, I will never release, but you don’t know what that 1 percent is.”

As the Boston University graduate prepares to cover another election as a reporter, read on to learn more about his life away from big corporate boards:

Steve Kornacki needs his Diet Coke

When his work schedule requires 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 much (I drink),” he said. GQ in November 2020. “It’s just kind of a constant supply. …On a normal day, I’ll have a few. But on election night, I keep it nearby and use it regularly.

In response to viewers warning him that Diet Coke may not be the healthiest beverage choice, Kornacki admits he doesn’t know what’s in the product. “I guess it’s 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 to show to keep him fueled for decision day.

Steve Kornacki’s Secrets to Staying Calm and Carrying On

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

Although he loves walking six miles to and from his Rockefeller Center office in New York every day, Kornacki has no big secret to relieving stress.

“Everyone recommended stuff to me,” he said. GQ. “I’m very bad at this. I try to do the deep breathing exercises and end up freaking out in the middle and it never goes well.

Steve Kornacki loves his mother

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

Whether he’s wishing her a happy birthday or giving her his records for an evening of music, Kornacki can’t stop talking about his mother.

“I look at her and see love, care and happiness,” he wrote. via Instagram in September 2024 after his death. “I am so lucky that she was able to see so much about my life, although no amount of time could ever be enough. No offense to anyone, but my mother was the best mom.

Steve Kornacki came out as gay in personal essay

In a 2011 personal essay for Living roomKornacki came out as gay.

“I’ve read stories from people who say they always knew they were attracted to the same sex, or understood it from a young age,” he wrote. “I’m not one of them. …I was addicted to ESPN since elementary school. I also had crushes on girls at first.

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

“It’s not the start of a whole new life,” he continued. “I actually really like the one I already have. But now the fear and paranoia are gone. And my life can finally have meaning for the people who matter to me.

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Steve Kornacki’s favorite pair of khakis

Regular NBC News viewers have probably noticed that Kornacki often wears khakis while reporting live in front of the Big Board. New York Review has already investigated whether the journalist had a favorite brand for his uniform. According to his producer, Kornacki loves his Gap pants.

While Kornacki’s producer wasn’t ready to reveal the specific style, New York Magazine did an online search and apparently determined that the reporter liked Gap Modern Khakis in Straight Fit.

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