CNN's Jake Tapper Named New Host Of 'State Of The Union'

CNN's Jake Tapper has been named the new anchor of the Sunday political talk show "State of the Union," the network's senior media correspondent Brian Stelter first reported on Friday.

Tapper's promotion comes after host Candy Crowley announced her departure from the program and network in December. Beginning in June, Tapper will take the helm at "State of The Union," and continue to anchor his daily newscast "The Lead."

"I couldn't be more excited about this election season and the new platform I will have at CNN to cover it," Tapper said in a statement. "'State Of The Union' has a rich tradition and I hope to not only build on its history but expand the definition of what a Sunday show can be."

Tapper began his journalism career at the Washington City Paper under the tutelage of David Carr. Before joining CNN in 2013, he served as ABC News' senior White House correspondent and briefly anchored the network's Sunday morning show "This Week." Tapper is seen "as an authority on politics" at CNN, according to Stelter, and will continue to hold the title of chief Washington correspondent as he takes on his new role.

“I am thrilled that Jake will take on this additional role at such a pivotal time in the election cycle," CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker said in a statement. "He has the perfect combination of skills that make him uniquely qualified -- he's a relentless reporter, a gifted storyteller, and a terrific interviewer who doesn't stop until he gets answers. We are lucky to have him on both The Lead and State of the Union."