Stephanie "Stevie" McCord is the eldest daughter of President Elizabeth McCord and First Gentlemen Henry McCord. Initially a college dropout after leaving Lovell University, Stevie later returns to academia at Georgetown University and begins building her career in Washington, D.C. Known for her sharp wit and determined spirit, Stevie navigates the complexities of growing up in the political spotlight, finding her footing with a coveted internship under White House Chief of Staff Russell Jackson. Balancing personal growth with professional ambition, she forges her own path in the world of politics and public service.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Stevie was born in 1994 to Elizabeth and Henry McCord, and was raised in Virginia with her younger siblings Jason and Alison.
Season 1[]
Stevie, initially a low-profile college student at Lovell University was thrust into the public eye after leading a protest against a new policy change that shifted its admissions process from need-blind to need-aware, prioritizing students who could afford tuition. The media attention surrounding the incident effectively introduced her to the public as the daughter of newly appointed Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord. The scrutiny disrupted Stevie’s efforts to maintain privacy, a condition she had set when her mother accepted the role.
Faced with mounting attention and challenges at Lovell, Stevie decided to leave college and return to her family’s home in Washington, D.C, determined to figure out her next steps on her own terms, however her parents insist she find a job as a condition of her time off from school. Her first attempt is a copywriting job interview, where she is told a college degree is required. Frustrated, Stevie mentions that her mother is the Secretary of State, momentarily catching the interviewer’s interest. However, realizing she doesn’t want to leverage her family connections, Stevie withdraws her application. Instead, she takes a job as a hostess at Frank’s Steakhouse, a high-profile D.C. restaurant frequented by politicians and influential figures.
In Collateral Damage, Stevie visits the State Department during a lockdown, looking to borrow a shirt from Elizabeth after being criticized for her casual work attire. While there, Elizabeth admits her CIA past to Stevie to preempt a translator’s threat to expose it. Elizabeth reveals she authorized the waterboarding of a terrorist during her CIA tenure to prevent a series of bombings. Stevie is shocked and angry, struggling to reconcile her perception of Elizabeth as a mother with her role in counterterrorism. Feeling betrayed, Stevie storms out as soon as the lockdown ends and decides to move in with friends, creating a rift in their relationship.
In Chains of Command, Stevie, still estranged from Elizabeth, reconnects with her grandfather, Pat, who charms her with stories and offers to help her find a job organizing for a union. However, when Stevie follows up, she discovers Pat lied about his position and influence, leaving her hurt and disillusioned. Tensions rise further during a family dinner, where Pat criticizes Elizabeth’s handling of the Bahrain crisis, sparking an argument. Witnessing her mother’s perseverance and moral conviction in the face of international pressure, Stevie begins to reevaluate her harsh judgment of Elizabeth. She apologizes, expresses newfound respect, and asks to move back home, signaling a turning point in their relationship.
In Whisper of the Ax, Stevie becomes intrigued by her mother’s micro-loan program, which is embroiled in a public scandal. She begins volunteering at Microloans United, a struggling organization where she meets Arthur Gilroy, the head of the program. Inspired by the work and determined to make a difference, Stevie learns that the internship requires college enrollment, prompting her to reconsider higher education. This leads her to apply to Georgetown University, a decision she frames as her own but one that also begins to mend her strained relationship with her parents.
In the The Time is at Hand, it’s revealed that Stevie is dating her boss, Arthur, who is nearly twenty years her senior. Her parents discover the relationship when they catch the two just before heading out for a date, and they are clearly uncomfortable with Arthur’s age difference, which becomes a point of tension.
Season 2[]
In Waiting for Taleju, Stevie finds herself at the center of a scandal when an anonymous email is sent to various publications, featuring a photo of her and her ex-boyfriend Harrison in bed together. The email teases that more photos are available for sale, with the attached image serving as proof. Although relatively tame, the photo sparks concern about the potential fallout.
In Left of the Boom, Stevie, Alison, Jason and Henry McCord attend a women's education conference, where a dirty bomb is set off.
Season 3[]
In The Dissent Memo, Stevie confides in her mom about her disappointing summer in England, admitting she felt like the "idiot American" and struggled with culture shock, isolation, and Jareth’s changed behavior. Encouraged by her mom to be honest, Stevie later talks to Jareth, and they both acknowledge England brought out their worst. Jareth proposes staying in the U.S., prioritizing their relationship and mutual happiness.
After graduating from Georgetown, Stevie applied to Harvard Law School and asked Russell Jackson for a letter of recommendation. When she went to pick up the letter, Russell collapsed from a heart attack, and Stevie performed chest compressions until EMTs arrived, saving his life. Later, seeking to balance the scales, Russell offered Stevie a position as his intern, which she accepted.
Season 4[]
In Off the Record, Stevie has a heated argument with her fiancé, Jareth, after he criticizes her for always deferring to her parents' opinions, leaving her frustrated and questioning their relationship. Later, she runs into Alexander (Dmitri) at a convenience store, where their brief but lighthearted conversation provides a welcome distraction. When Stevie returns to the apartment, Jareth apologizes, and she forgives him. However, at the end of the episode, Stevie watches her parents playfully teasing and painting together, prompting her to reflect on the mutual respect and dynamic in their relationship. This contrast leads Stevie to question her own relationship and whether it aligns with what she truly wants.
In Shutdown, Stevie tells Jareth they need to take some time apart, but he disagrees, urging her to reconsider and not let fear guide her. Stevie insists, leaving their future uncertain. However, in Persona Non Grata, during Ali’s fashion show—just before Stevie goes on stage wearing Ali’s designs—Stevie reveals that a few days later, Jareth called and officially ended their engagement. Devastated, she admits she had hoped they would work through their issues, but despite her heartbreak, Ali convinces her to go on, promising support afterward.
Season 5[]
In E Pluribus Unum, Stevie considers a career change and uses a doctor’s appointment as an excuse to attend a secret job interview with a congresswoman. Russell Jackson’s secretary, June, quickly catches on and advises Stevie to be cautious, pointing out that her connections to her mother and Russell make her a "hot ticket" in D.C. and that she should hold out for a better offer if she allows herself to be poached.
Stevie initially thanks June, but later confronts her, expressing frustration at feeling underestimated despite her hard work. June apologizes, and Stevie responds with a pointed reflection on generational differences in how women approach ambition. Moments after their conversation, a bomb explodes in the Oval Office, severely injuring Stevie and killing June.
In the aftermath, Stevie is wracked with guilt, especially after learning at June’s funeral about the many accomplishments of the woman she had clashed with. The incident forces Stevie to confront her own insecurities and reevaluate how she views herself and others.
Season 6[]
In Season 6, Elizabeth is elected President, ending Dalton's administration and Stevie's internship. She currently holds a job at the Human Amnesty Association.
Trivia[]
- As of the series finale, Stevie is married to Dmitri Petrov.
- Stevie was previously engaged to Jareth Glover.
- Stevie previously dated Arthur Gilroy, her boss at Microloans United, much to the dismay of her parents.
- Stevie has been friends with President Dalton's son Harrison since they were children, and briefly dated him in high school.