Win McCormack (win-mccormack)
Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist whose career has spanned more than four decades. He is widely recognized as the founder and editor-in-chief of Tin House and the owner of The New Republic. Throughout his work in literature, journalism, and public affairs, Win McCormack has remained committed to long-form writing, editorial independence, and leading publications that contribute to cultural and political discussions in the United States.
Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he was raised in a family connected to law, public service, and finance. His father served in military intelligence during World War II before holding a senior position in the State Department. At the same time, his mother's family traced its roots to the founding family of a major Chicago financial institution. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, earned a degree in government from Harvard College, spent time in Indonesia as an American Field Service exchange student, worked in teaching and social services, and later completed an MFA in creative writing at the University of Oregon.
McCormack's publishing career began during graduate school through involvement in a congressional campaign and an investment in Oregon Times magazine. He later renamed it Oregon Magazine and served as its editor from 1976 to 1988, helping build its reputation for investigative reporting and long-form journalism. During that time, he also co-owned and served as treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., co-founded Mother Jones magazine, and contributed to Military History Quarterly and Art and Auction.
In the late 1990s, McCormack founded Tin House, which became known for publishing both emerging and established writers. The launch of Tin House Books in 2005 and the Tin House Summer Workshop in 2003 expanded its influence. Although the magazine ended its quarterly print publication in 2019, the broader platform continues through books, workshops, and related programs.
In 2016, he acquired The New Republic and became its editor-in-chief, restoring its emphasis on long-form political and cultural analysis. He also led an extensive investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon and later published The Rajneesh Chronicles. His additional work includes You Don't Know Me: A Citizen's Guide to Republican Family Values and essays for The Nation and regional publications. Beyond publishing, he co-founded the Liberty Hill Foundation, participated in Democratic Party activities, and served on boards supporting education, the humanities, and public policy. Today, Win McCormack continues to contribute to publishing and public life through the organizations and institutions he has helped build and lead.
