Steve Cortes Bio, Wiki, Net Worth, Wife, Age, Height

Steve Cortes is a prominent figure in the worlds of finance and politics, celebrated for his sharp analysis and straightforward communication. Born on January 5, 1972, in South Chicago, Illinois, to Colombian immigrant parents, Cortes has built a career that spans decades, earning him a reputation as a trusted voice on economic policy, market trends, and political strategy.

Early Life and Education

Cortes grew up in a multiethnic, working-class community in Chicago. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic—his father, a ranch-raised Colombian who pursued graduate studies in the U.S., and his mother, who worked various jobs to support the family. This upbringing shaped Cortes’ resilience and cultural sensitivity, qualities that would later define his professional life.

In high school, Cortes excelled both academically and athletically. His talent on the football field earned him a scholarship to Georgetown University, where he graduated in 1994 with a degree in government. At Georgetown, he was a standout defensive lineman on the varsity football team, earned the title of George F. Baker Scholar, and was nominated for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. These early achievements highlighted his intellectual and leadership potential.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Full Name	Steve Cortes
Birth Date & Age	January 5, 1972 (Age 53 Years)
Birthplace	South Chicago, Illinois, USA
Heritage	Colombian-American (father immigrated from Colombia)
Education	Georgetown University (1994), Rhodes Scholarship nominee
Spouse	Married to Holly Cortes since 1998
Children	4: 3 Daughters and 1 Son
Residence	Chattanooga, Tennessee
Net Worth	$5–$10 million
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

Steve Cortes Career

Cortes began his professional career on Wall Street in the mid-1990s, trading government bonds, currencies, and ETFs. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming the chief strategist at BGC Partners. In 2011, he founded Veracruz TJM, a firm specializing in real-time market research for large investors. His book, Against the Herd, released that same year, outlined six counterintuitive investment strategies that challenged conventional market wisdom, solidifying his reputation as a contrarian thinker in finance.

Cortes’ expertise also extended to media, where he became a regular commentator on financial networks like CNBC, Fox Business, and Fox News. His ability to explain complex market trends with clarity made him a sought-after analyst.

Transition to Politics

In 2016, Cortes shifted his focus to politics, serving as a senior adviser on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. He was a key member of the Hispanic Advisory Council, where he played a significant role in shaping messages on immigration, enterprise, and deregulation. His work continued into the 2020 campaign, and he became a familiar face on political talk shows, offering insights at the intersection of markets and policy.

Post-election, Cortes became a political analyst for CNN and founded Rise Strategies, a media coaching and public affairs company. He remains an informal adviser to political leaders, leveraging his experience in both finance and politics to provide strategic guidance.

Author and Speaker

Cortes is also a prolific writer and speaker. His articles appear in publications like RealClearPolitics and Human Events, and he has delivered keynote addresses on finance, technology, and policy. His ability to connect with diverse audiences has made him a popular figure at conferences and events. Notable colleagues, such as Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, have praised him as a communicator who understands public sentiment, while radio host Hugh Hewitt called him a “level-headed” campaign surrogate.

Personal Life

Steve Cortes is married to Holly Cortes, his partner since their wedding on May 14, 1998. Together, they have four children: three daughters and a son. Their son, Bear Cortes, born in 2006, recently graduated from McCallie School. One of their daughters, Kingsley R. Wilson, born in 1999, made headlines in early 2025 when she was appointed as the Deputy Department of Defense Press Secretary. While Holly prefers to stay out of the public eye, Steve often credits her as the backbone of their family, describing her as selfless and loving. The family resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Steve Cortes Net Worth

As of 2025, Steve Cortes’ net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. His wealth comes from his extensive career in finance, including his roles at BGC Partners and Veracruz TJM, as well as income from speaking engagements, media appearances, book sales, and consulting through Rise Strategies.

Recent Activities (2025)

In 2025, Steve Cortes remains an active figure in both politics and media. He is involved with the League of American Workers, a right-wing populist group focused on blue-collar issues, and serves on the advisory board of Project 2025, which aims to prepare for a potential second Trump administration. These affiliations have drawn scrutiny, with critics like the AFL-CIO’s Jody Calemine labeling the League as “astroturfing” with a “far-right agenda.” Supporters, however, view Cortes’ efforts as a genuine advocacy for American workers. His daughter Kingsley’s recent appointment in the Department of Defense has also kept the Cortes family in the spotlight. Cortes continues to appear on television and in print, offering his perspectives on economic policy, global positioning, and political strategy.

Public Interest in Steve Cortes (FAQs)

Public curiosity about Steve Cortes often centers on his multifaceted career and personal life. Below is a table summarizing common questions and answers based on what people search for:

Question	Answer
What is Steve Cortes known for?	Financial strategist, political analyst, author of Against the Herd, and senior adviser in Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
Who is Steve Cortes married to?	Holly Cortes, married since 1998, with four children.
What is Steve Cortes’ net worth?	Estimated at $5-10 million, from finance, media, and consulting.
What is Steve Cortes’ background?	Born to Colombian immigrants in Chicago, graduated from Georgetown University with a government degree.
What is Steve Cortes’ role in politics?	Senior adviser in Trump campaigns, involved with League of American Workers and Project 2025.
What is Steve Cortes’ book about?	Against the Herd offers six counterintuitive investment strategies.
Where does Steve Cortes live?	Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his family.
What is Steve Cortes’ education?	Georgetown University, degree in government, George F. Baker Scholar, Rhodes Scholarship nominee.

These questions reflect the public’s interest in Cortes’ professional achievements, personal life, and current activities.

Conclusion

Steve Cortes’ journey from a Wall Street trader to a political strategist and media personality showcases his adaptability and expertise. His background as the son of immigrants, combined with his accomplishments in finance and politics, makes him a unique voice in today’s discourse. As he continues to navigate the complexities of markets and policy, Cortes remains a figure of influence and insight.