
Brahm Resnik Biography: 12News Political Anchor & ‘Sunday Square Off’ Moderator
Brahm Resnik is a Canadian-American journalist specializing in politics, government, and democracy, with over 25 years of experience in television and print media.
He serves as a political anchor and reporter for 12News (KPNX-TV), the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has worked since 2005.
In this role, Resnik covers key issues affecting Arizona, including elections, immigration, education, the economy, and even local sports like hockey.
His reporting has earned national recognition, particularly for leading award-winning business news sections during his earlier newspaper career.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Côte-Saint-Luc, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Resnik grew up in a family with deep historical ties to the United States.
His maternal great-grandfather, Eli Schapiro, immigrated through Ellis Island in 1911, though restrictive quotas later led family members to settle in Canada.
Resnik speaks Yiddish and French fluently, reflecting his Canadian roots. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2012 during a special ceremony at Phoenix’s Burton Barr Central Library, a venue chosen for its personal significance given his wife’s library work.
Resnik earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from McGill University in Montreal, where he served as an editor for the Scarlet Key and McGill Daily. He later obtained a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Career Highlights
Before joining 12News, Resnik spent 15 years in newspapers, including roles as deputy business editor for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and business editor for The Arizona Republic.
He transitioned to television in 2005, quickly establishing himself as a go-to voice on Arizona politics. Notable coverage includes:
- The 2008 presidential campaign and 2018 death of Arizona Senator John McCain.
- U.S. Supreme Court arguments on Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 immigration law.
- Local, state, and federal elections, as well as broader democratic issues like the 2020 “fake electors” investigation involving Rudy Giuliani.
- Everyday impacts on Arizonans, from wildfire responses at the Grand Canyon to utility bill assistance programs.
Resnik’s work extends across platforms, including daily “Money Minute” columns on azcentral.com and consumer/business reports for KPNX morning broadcasts.
“Sunday Square Off” Moderation
Since 2009, Resnik has moderated Sunday Square Off, a weekly political talk show airing Sundays at 8 a.m. on 12News.
Described as the Valley’s premier political roundtable, the program features debates on current events, policy, and democracy, drawing elected officials, experts, and community leaders.
Resnik’s neutral, incisive style fosters substantive discussions on topics like Latino labor rights, election integrity, and state governance, making it a staple for politically engaged viewers in Phoenix.
Brahm Resnik Age:
Brahm Resnik is 65 years old, having been born in 1960. Of Jewish heritage with Russian roots, he was born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, a suburb of Montreal.
Originally a Canadian citizen, he later became a U.S. citizen in 2012 and has since built a distinguished journalism career in the United States.
Brahm Resnik Parents and Siblings:
Brahm Resnik was born and raised in Cote St. Luc, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Montreal, Canada, which he has described as “virtually a Jewish ghetto.”
He grew up with strong family ties to the United States, including his great-grandfather Eli Schapiro, who immigrated through Ellis Island.
His mother, Doris, was a gourmet cook who introduced him to diverse cuisines like Japanese tempura and Indian curry during his childhood; she passed away in 2019 at age 85 after a stroke. Details about his father and any siblings are not publicly available.
Brahm Resnik Wife:
Resnik is married to Wendy Resnik, whom he met at McGill University. Originally from Virginia, Wendy followed him to Northwestern, where they wed in the Shakespeare Garden on campus.
She now directs children’s literacy programs for the Phoenix Public Library system. The couple has two adult sons, Max and Jack, and resides in Tempe, Arizona.
Brahm Resnik Height:
Brahm Resnik is estimated to stand around 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh between 160 and 175 pounds.
12News Brahm Resnik Career Timeline:
Brahm Resnik began his journalism career before moving to Arizona around 2000, where he has spent over 25 years covering local politics at KPNX/12News, including anchoring, reporting, and moderating “Sunday Square Off” since at least the early 2010s.
Notable coverage includes the 2012 U.S. Supreme Court SB 1070 case and John McCain’s presidential campaign. He has been a member of Temple Emanuel of Tempe since arriving in the Phoenix area.
1980s–Early 1990s: Education
Brahm Resnik’s academic foundation was built at two prestigious universities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he also served as an editor for student publications like the Scarlet Key and the McGill Daily.
He went on to earn a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, a highly respected program that has produced many of the nation’s top journalists.
This dual education in liberal arts and practical journalism prepared him for a career that blended in-depth analysis with sharp, concise reporting.
1990–2005: Newspaper Journalism
Resnik’s 15-year career in print media established his reputation as a skilled business journalist. He served as the deputy business editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he was part of a team that won national awards for their business news coverage.
He later brought this expertise to Phoenix, becoming the business editor at The Arizona Republic.
In this role, he managed coverage of a wide range of topics, including consumer affairs and corporate developments, gaining an in-depth understanding of the state’s economic landscape.
2005: Transition to Television
In 2005, Resnik made the strategic move from print to broadcast media, joining KPNX/12News, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix.
This transition allowed him to use his extensive knowledge of Arizona’s politics, government, and economy on a new platform.
He began covering high-profile stories, from state elections to complex issues like immigration, education, and even local hockey. His on-camera presence quickly made him a recognizable face in Arizona news.
2008: Notable Coverage
Resnik’s reporting skills were on full display during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, especially given Arizona’s significance as the home state of Republican candidate Senator John McCain.
He provided extensive coverage of McCain’s campaign, offering local context and analysis that was crucial for Arizona viewers.
2009–Present: Moderator of Sunday Square Off
Since 2009, Resnik has been the moderator of Sunday Square Off, a weekly political talk show that has become a staple for Arizona’s politically engaged audience.
The program is known for its lively debates on hot-button topics, featuring a range of guests from elected officials to political strategists and policy experts.
Resnik is known for his ability to pose tough, detailed questions to hold leaders accountable, allowing viewers to form their own conclusions.
2010–2012: Key Political Reporting
During this period, Resnik provided impactful coverage of several major Arizona stories. This included the controversial SB 1070 immigration law, a topic that gained national attention.
His reporting covered the law’s legal battles, including the U.S. Supreme Court arguments. A personally significant event in this time frame was his naturalization as a U.S. citizen in 2012, a journey that was documented and shared with the public.
2018: John McCain Coverage
Following the death of Senator John McCain, Resnik provided in-depth and personal coverage of the Arizona icon’s life and legacy.
His long history of reporting on McCain allowed him to offer unique insights into the Senator’s impact on both state and national politics.
2020–2021: Election and Democracy Reporting
Resnik played a key role in covering the highly contentious 2020 U.S. presidential election in Arizona, a pivotal swing state. His reporting went beyond the results to focus on the ensuing controversies, including the “fake electors” plot.
He was among the journalists who pursued key figures like Rudy Giuliani and state lawmakers involved in the scheme, pressing them for answers about their roles in the effort to overturn the election.
2022–2025: Ongoing Work
As of 2025, Resnik continues his role as anchor and moderator, focusing on a wide range of current events impacting Arizona.
His reporting has included everything from elections and local politics to less-common news topics like wildfires and utility programs.
He also continues to provide his popular daily “Money Minute” consumer and business reports on both azcentral.com and KPNX’s morning broadcasts.
His Notable Colleagues at 12News Phoenix
Name | Role |
---|---|
Mark Curtis | Anchor, 12News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. |
Caribe Devine | Chief Meteorologist |
Rachel Cole | Anchor/Reporter |
Tram Mai | Anchor, Today in AZ |
Scott McDonnell | Anchor/Reporter |
Jen Wahl | Meteorologist |
Jonathan McCall | Anchor/Reporter |
Krystle Henderson | Meteorologist |
Joe Dana | Reporter, often covers politics & investigations |
Brahm Resnik Net Worth and Salary:
Brahm Resnik has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million, with an annual salary ranging from $105,845 to $228,645, derived from his long-term role as a journalist at KPNX/12News.
How Old Is Brahm Resnik?
Brahm Resnik is 65 years old, born in 1960
Is Brahm Resnik Married?
Yes, Brahm Resnik is married to Wendy Resnik, whom he met at McGill University. Wendy manages children’s literacy programs for the Phoenix Public Library. They have two adult sons and reside in Tempe, Arizona.
Where Is Brahm Resnik?
Brahm Resnik is currently working as a political anchor and reporter at 12News (KPNX), the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona.
He continues to moderate the station’s long-running political affairs program, “Sunday Square Off,” which airs every Sunday morning and focuses on Arizona’s evolving political landscape.
He remains active in covering key issues such as elections, government policy, and civic accountability.
Resnik also engages with the public through social media, particularly on Twitter, where he shares updates on political developments and upcoming coverage.
Summary
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Brahm Resnik |
Profession | Political Anchor, Reporter, and Moderator at 12News (KPNX-TV) |
Known For | Moderator of Sunday Square Off — a weekly political talk show |
Birth Year / Age | Born in 1960 — 65 years old |
Zodiac Sign | Not publicly stated |
Ethnicity / Heritage | Jewish (Russian roots) |
Nationality | Canadian-American (Naturalized U.S. citizen since 2012) |
Birthplace / Hometown | Côte-Saint-Luc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
Current Residence | Tempe, Arizona |
Languages | English, Yiddish, French |
Education | B.A. in English & History from McGill University M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism |
Height | ~5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
Weight | ~160–175 pounds (73–79 kg) |
Parents / Family | Mother: Doris (deceased, 2019) Great-grandfather: Eli Schapiro (immigrated to U.S. in 1911) |
Siblings | Not publicly known |
Wife | Wendy Resnik — Director of children’s literacy programs at Phoenix Public Library |
Children | Two adult sons: Max and Jack |
Religion / Community | Member of Temple Emanuel of Tempe |
Career Highlights | 15 years in print (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Arizona Republic); joined 12News in 2005; notable coverage of John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, SB 1070, and Arizona elections |
Notable Work | Daily “Money Minute” on azcentral.com and morning business segments on 12News |
Net Worth | Estimated $1 million – $5 million |
Annual Salary | Estimated $105,845 – $228,645 |
Active Since | Early 1990s (journalism); at 12News since 2005 |
Social Media Presence | Active on Twitter sharing Arizona political news |
Current Role | Political anchor/reporter at 12News (NBC affiliate) and moderator of Sunday Square Off |
Sources
- Famous Birthdays. Confirms birth year (1960).
- X Post by Resnik. Mentions mother’s passing and marriage duration.
- X Post by Resnik. Supports marriage details.
- Phoenix Public Library Website. Confirms Wendy’s literacy program role.
- X Post by Resnik. Notes meeting Wendy at McGill.
- Arizona Family News. Verifies marriage since ~1986.
- Arizona Republic. Confirms Wendy’s library work.
- Famous People Today. Lists height as 5’7”.
- KPNX/12News Profile. Details role and education.
- LinkedIn Profile. Lists education.
- LinkedIn Profile. Details 25+ years at KPNX/12News.
- Arizona Republic. Notes SB 1070 and McCain coverage.
- X Post by Resnik. Confirms Jewish ethnicity and citizenship.
- KPNX/12News Article. Confirms “Sunday Square Off” role.
- Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Describes Montreal upbringing.
- Arizona Jewish Life. Notes mother’s culinary influence.
- Personal Blog Post by Resnik. Details family immigration.
- Montreal Gazette. Confirms Cote St. Luc upbringing.
- Temple Emanuel of Tempe Website. Confirms Tempe residence and family.
- Wikipedia Entry. Verifies nationality and ethnicity.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.