Shermichael Singleton: Education, Career, and Perspectives

Shermichael Singleton is an American political strategist, writer, and CNN Political Commentator with a multifaceted background that spans politics, media, and public speaking. He is known for his conservative voice and sharp analysis on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NewsNation. As current events become a part of our daily conversation, understanding the importance of these issues and their impact has become increasingly important. Shermichael's objective and methodical commentary explores how the political and cultural climates are connected and impact our lives.

Early Life and Education

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rev. Dr. Shermichael Singleton was born in 1991. At age 10, Singleton moved to Dallas, Texas, where he developed an early interest in politics. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in politics and public affairs, often reading about government and taking part in debates. Growing up in a modest African-American family, he was influenced by his parents’ strong work ethic and sense of community. His Southern upbringing gave him both discipline and ambition, shaping his path toward a career in politics and media.

Singleton studied Political Science at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he worked on Newt Gingrich's Republican presidential bid as a youth organizer. Conservatives are rare at historically black colleges, but Shermichael says that Morehouse’s culture of debate allowed him to argue his case without being ostracized. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focusing on Government and Politics. His education provided a strong academic foundation for his work in political campaigns, communications, and later media analysis.

Early Career in Republican Politics

Since his college days at Morehouse, Shermichael has thrown himself into politics, working his way up from campus activist to volunteer positions for Republican candidates. In 2012, he worked on Mitt Romney's successful Republican presidential primary campaign, and he later worked on campaigns in Georgia and Florida. After working for the nonprofit Lauren's Kids in Florida, he joined America Rising LLC as a field opposition researcher. His analytical skills were honed at America Rising, a Republican opposition research firm. During his time at America Rising, Shermichael was a part of a team that played a crucial role in nearly every major race during the 2014 Republican midterm victories.

During Ben Carson's 2016 presidential bid, Singleton served as his Coalitions Advisor, and he served as Carson's Director of Communications after Carson conceded to Donald Trump. After college, he went to work for Carson and followed him to Washington after Trump appointed him HUD secretary. He rose to become communications director for Ben Carson’s campaign.

Tenure at HUD and Subsequent Transition to Media

In 2017, Singleton was appointed as the youngest-ever Chief of Staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Trump administration. Shermichael was one of 10 African-American Senior Executive Services, (SES) political appointees and one of the youngest ever appointed to an SES position. However, his tenure ended after he was dismissed for writing an op-ed critical of then-candidate Trump’s rhetoric. Then Shermichael was fired when it was discovered that he had criticized Trump in print before the election.

After leaving HUD, Singleton transitioned into media, becoming a political commentator on CNN and later contributing to MSNBC, Fox News, and NewsNation. Singleton was then hired as a CNN political commentator, where he continued to criticize Trump and what he saw as his inauthentic Republicanism. He also co-created and hosted Screen Share on MSNBC Peacock, under the special projects division for MSNBC in 2022, leading up to the midterms. He’s guest-hosted numerous shows, including for former MSNBC peacock host Zerlina Maxwell, and live shows for MSNBC anchor Katie Phang. Additionally, he’s guest anchored for Nexstar-owned digital show ’Rising,’ under The Hill, its digital news publication.

Beyond commentary, Singleton co-founded Guns Out TV, a platform discussing firearms and culture, and We The Free TV, which focuses on broader political and cultural issues.

Writing and Commentary

Singleton was a contributor to The Hill where he wrote weekly columns, and also wrote for the Boston Globe as an opinion writer.

As the political and cultural climate changes, Shermichael's objective and methodical commentary, explores how the two are connected and impact our lives. Despite electing the first African-American president of the United States, we find ourselves more polarized and divided than we ever imagined. As the need to come together as a nation becomes more and more important, Shermichael’s unique perspective emphasizes our shared commonalities and the importance that we look beyond race to focus on the things that unite us. Conservatism finds itself in an interesting place, fighting to hold on to the values that define us as a society, while attempting to find its relevance in a ever changing society. With a shrinking base and an inability to compete politically with minority voters, the need for outreach continues to become more and more important. Minorities share many of the core values of conservatism, but despite this fact, many minorities don’t vote for republican candidates.

Personal Life

Shermichael Singleton is private about his family background and rarely shares details about his parents or siblings. However, he has publicly expressed affection for his grandmother, who played an important role in his life. In his personal life, he married Nhiya Marie on October 5, 2024. The couple welcomed a daughter on February 14, 2025, although they have chosen not to reveal her name publicly. Nhiya, originally from Newport, Rhode Island, studied at Howard University and now resides with Singleton in Arlington, Virginia. She often shares lifestyle and family moments online, while Singleton maintains a balance between his professional responsibilities and family life.

Controversies

The most notable controversy in Shermichael Singleton’s career occurred in 2017, when he was dismissed from his HUD position after writing an op-ed critical of Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric. Shermichael gained national attention when he was fired as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development by President Donald Trump for an op-ed he wrote in October of 2016 criticizing then Candidate Trump. The incident brought him both criticism and respect-criticism from some in conservative circles and praise from those who valued his willingness to speak openly.

Perspective and Impact

Singleton’s unique perspective emphasizes our shared commonalities and the importance that we look beyond race to focus on the things that unite us. An experienced tactician, Singleton also worked for the Republican opposition research firm, America Rising as a political opposition researcher and analyst.

Public Speaking and Consulting

A regarded public speaker; Shermichael has spoken before audiences at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Case Western University, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and various organizations and groups. Singleton studied Political Science at Morehouse College and conducts speaking engagements across the country. He also does consulting for high profile clients and political candidates, including those running for Congress (House/Senate) state, and local offices across the country.

John Singleton: A Note on a Different Figure

It is important not to confuse Shermichael Singleton with John Singleton (January 6, 1968 - April 28, 2019), who was an American director, screenwriter, and producer. John Singleton was one of the most successful and groundbreaking directors in African-American cinema. Singleton and his films represented the African-American urban experience, focusing on themes such as black masculinity, trauma, racism, and identity. In 1991, Singleton made his feature film debut with Boyz n the Hood, a coming-of-age crime drama about three childhood friends growing up in the crime-ridden neighborhood of South Central LA. For his efforts, Singleton received Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. At age 24, he became the youngest person ever nominated for Best Director and the first African-American to be nominated for the award.

Read also: Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

tags: #shermichael #singleton #education #background