Erica Lopez is the energetic voice behind WFAA’s Daybreak traffic reports in Dallas. She built her career in Denver before moving to Texas in 2026.
Fans often search to learn her age, her husband, and her background. This guide covers her career, education, and personal life. It also clears up some common confusion around her name.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Erica Lopez |
| Profession | Journalist, Traffic and Entertainment Anchor |
| Current Employer | WFAA, Dallas, Texas |
| Previous Employer | KUSA 9News, Denver, Colorado |
| Hometown | Syracuse, New York (raised in multiple cities) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Colombian and Italian heritage |
| Education | Liberty University, Towson University (Mass Communication) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Notable Achievement | Emmy Award winner |
Erica Lopez (US Journalist)
Erica Lopez is an American broadcast journalist. She currently works as the Daybreak Traffic Anchor at WFAA in Dallas, Texas. She joined the station in January 2026.
Before Dallas, she spent more than five years at KUSA 9News in Denver. There, she built a loyal audience as a traffic and entertainment anchor. She is an Emmy Award winner. She is known for her energetic on-air style and her deep connection to viewers.
Early Life and Education
Erica Lopez did not grow up in one single place. Her family moved often during her childhood. She considers Syracuse, New York her true hometown. She spent nearly a decade in the Baltimore, Maryland area, where she went to high school and college.
She grew up proud of her mixed heritage. Her mother is Colombian, and her father is Italian. Both parents are first-generation Americans. That blend of cultures shaped her upbringing, especially around food and family traditions.
As a child, Erica was outgoing and animated. She trained in Kenpo Karate starting at age 7. By age 13, she had earned her black belt, alongside her whole family.
Education and College Athletics
Erica Lopez studied Mass Communication in college. She began her studies focused on journalism and broadcasting. She later completed her degree at Towson University, where she also wrote for the campus paper, the Baltimore Watchdog.
Before college, she was a competitive long-distance runner. She raced in the Baltimore area for years before shifting her full focus to journalism. That athletic discipline carried into her fast-paced TV career later on.
Career Timeline and Professional Journey
Erica Lopez built her career step by step, moving through smaller markets before landing in Dallas. Here is a simplified overview of her path:
| Period | Station or Organization | Role |
| Early career | WBAL, Baltimore | Assignment Desk Intern |
| Early career | Charleston, South Carolina | Traffic Reporter and Anchor |
| Early career | Birmingham, Alabama (Sinclair Broadcast Group) | Traffic Anchor and Multimedia Journalist |
| August 2020–January 2026 | KUSA 9News, Denver | Traffic and Entertainment Anchor |
| January 2026–present | WFAA, Dallas | Daybreak Traffic Anchor |
She has covered breaking news, severe weather, and major traffic stories throughout her career. She has also interviewed well-known celebrities, including Ben Affleck and Bowen Yang.
Breakthrough at KUSA 9News Denver
Erica Lopez joined KUSA 9News in Denver in August 2020. She quickly became a familiar face on Mile High Mornings. Her traffic reports ran every weekday morning.
She also built her own entertainment segment from scratch, called “E Block.” She wrote, produced, and anchored the segment herself. During her time in Denver, she hosted Colorado’s Michelin Guide Awards three times. She stayed at the station for more than five years.
Joining WFAA Dallas
In January 2026, Erica Lopez moved to WFAA in Dallas, Texas. WFAA is a sister station to Denver’s 9News. She now works as the Daybreak Traffic Anchor. She helps guide DFW commuters through their morning drive every weekday.
She brought a decade of traffic anchoring experience to her new role. She has already covered a range of driving conditions, from extreme rain to mountain snow, across her career.
Salary and Net Worth
Erica Lopez has not shared her exact income publicly. So estimates found online vary by source. Based on general figures reported for her role:
- Estimated salary: roughly $45,000 to $110,500 per year
- Estimated net worth: roughly $1 million to $5 million
Treat these numbers as rough public estimates. Neither Erica nor her employers have confirmed exact figures.
Personal Life and Family
Erica Lopez keeps her personal life mostly private. This has led to some confusion online. One important note: several biography sites list a husband named Otto Staudt. Other sources say this appears to be a mix-up with a different broadcaster who shares a similar name.
Erica’s own public statements support a more private picture. In a past interview, she referenced an ex-partner while discussing her old routines in Denver. That suggests a previous relationship that has since ended. As of now, her current relationship status is not publicly confirmed. She has not announced a marriage or engagement herself.
Family, Heritage and Roots
Erica Lopez has not shared detailed information about her parents. She has spoken openly about her Colombian and Italian roots. Both of her parents are first-generation Americans. She has credited her multicultural upbringing with shaping her personality and her connection to audiences.
She has not confirmed whether she has any siblings. Like many broadcast journalists, she keeps a clear line between her public career and her private family life.
Pets, Hobbies and Personal Life
Outside of work, Erica Lopez enjoys an active lifestyle. Her interests include:
- Traveling to new places
- Hiking and working out
- Exploring local restaurants, especially in Denver and now Dallas
- Spending time with her two dogs, Vito and Lala
She has also stayed involved with several non-profit organizations throughout her career. Her outgoing personality carries over from her on-air work into her personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erica Lopez married?
Her current relationship status is not publicly confirmed. Some sites list a husband, but that appears to be confusion with a different broadcaster.
How old is Erica Lopez?
Her exact birth date has not been officially confirmed, so her precise current age is unclear.
Where does Erica Lopez work now?
She works as the Daybreak Traffic Anchor at WFAA in Dallas, Texas, a role she started in January 2026.
Where did Erica Lopez work before WFAA?
She worked at KUSA 9News in Denver, Colorado, from August 2020 to January 2026.
What is Erica Lopez’s ethnicity?
She has Colombian and Italian heritage, with both parents being first-generation Americans.
Did Erica Lopez win any awards?
Yes, she is an Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter.
Where did Erica Lopez go to college?
She studied Mass Communication at Liberty University and later at Towson University.
Conclusion
Erica Lopez has built a strong broadcast career through steady moves across Charleston, Birmingham, Denver, and now Dallas. Her energy and Colombian-Italian roots have shaped her into a standout traffic and entertainment anchor. While her exact age, income, and relationship status remain unconfirmed, her professional journey is well documented and continues to grow at WFAA.
David is the founder of gospelhubs.com, a site dedicated to Bible Verses and Prayers clever wordplay. He loves turning language into laughter and making words wonderfully witty.