Steve Kornacki Was Not On MSNBC On Election Night — But His Replacement Is Gaining Fans

Ali Velshi said taking over for a journalist who once made People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list was an “honor.”

Viewers who tuned in to MSNBC’s election coverage Tuesday wasted no time in mourning the departure of Steve Kornacki ― though most seemed to warm to the journalist’s replacement by the night’s end.

In April, it was announced Kornacki ― whose poll-tracking prowess and lovably staid wardrobe made him an unlikely TV icon in recent years ― had signed with NBC as the network prepared to separate from MSNBC.

Stepping into Kornacki’s usual role on Election Day was Ali Velshi, a Canadian-born journalist who has been with MSNBC ― set to rebrand as MS Now later this month ― for about nine years.

Though some still expressed their sadness at Kornacki’s absence, the consensus among most who tuned in was refreshingly positive.

“Election nights with Steve Kornacki are big khakis to fill, but Ali Velshi is doing a great job!” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.