Peter Alexander Takes the Reins
When Kristen Welker welcomed her second child via surrogate, the beloved anchor of Meet the Press needed someone to step in while she focused on her family. Enter Peter Alexander, the seasoned journalist who graciously filled her shoes for the June 2 episode. Known for his sharp reporting and steady demeanor, Peter, 47, brought his trademark professionalism to the iconic news program.
Kristen, also 47, took to her Instagram Stories to express her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you [Peter] for holding things down on Meet the Press so I can be with my family!" she wrote. "You crushed it, of course!" Her words not only highlighted Peter's competence but also revealed the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Meet the Press team.
Welcoming John Zachary to the Family
As Peter stepped into the spotlight, he didn't miss the opportunity to celebrate Kristen's joyous occasion. During the episode, he proudly announced the arrival of Kristen's newborn son, John Zachary. "The Meet the Press family officially has a new member," Peter told the audience, his voice brimming with warmth and enthusiasm.
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He went on to share a touching update about Kristen's surrogate, whom she affectionately refers to as her "angel on earth." "She’s doing great," Peter relayed, before turning his attention to John Zachary's big sister, Margot. "As you can imagine, Margot is extremely proud, welcoming home her baby brother yesterday," he added, painting a vivid picture of the Welker family's happiness.
A Heartfelt Message from the Team
Peter concluded his segment with a heartfelt message on behalf of the entire Meet the Press team. "From all of us here at Meet the Press, a huge congratulations to Kristen and John and Margot, and all the grandparents," he said, his tone filled with genuine warmth. "And to John Zachary, we know you're watching—we can't wait to meet you!"
It was a touching moment that underscored the close-knit community that exists within the show's walls, where professional excellence is matched by personal warmth and support.

Kristen shares John Zachary with her husband, John Hughes. The couple is also parents to daughter Margot Lane, whom they welcomed via surrogate in June 2021. Margot, soon to turn 3 on June 12, couldn't be more thrilled about her new baby brother. "Margot has told all of her schoolmates that her parents are getting her a baby brother for her birthday!" Kristen revealed to TODAY.com last month.
Kristen has always been candid about her infertility journey, sharing her struggles and triumphs openly. In a poignant interview with People in April 2023, she reflected on the challenges she faced. "I feel like in the past few years, I’ve learned that it was worth it," she said. "All of the tears, the struggle, the heartache were all worth it to have Margot. And every morning when I wake up to her little face, standing up in her crib waiting for me, I can’t wait to just hug her and hold her. And that reminds me that it was all worth it."
She extended her message of hope to others navigating similar challenges. "That really is my message to other families who are going through infertility: when you feel alone, when you feel hopeless, do not give up, keep pushing forward because it is so worth it in the end," she urged, offering a beacon of light to those on their own journeys.
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