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Political Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Politico

National Politics Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

This reporter will be part of a team focused on owning the biggest political storylines during a period of shifting coalitions, uncertainty around the future of the Democratic and Republican parties ...

Politico

National Politics Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

This reporter will be part of a team focused on owning the biggest political storylines during a period of shifting coalitions, uncertainty around the future of the Democratic and Republican parties ...

Hearst

Texas Education Reporter

Austin, TX

The reporter will also cover political campaigns, legislative sessions and statewide policy debates through the lens of education, examining how lawmakers and state officials are shaping the future ...

THE CITY NY

Higher Education Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

The City Reporter's investigative reporting has resulted in criminal indictments, political resignations and ethics inquiries. It has inspired new laws, influenced budget choices and reversed ...

Tribune Media

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to ...

WOWK-TV

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to ...

Nexstar Media Group

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to ...

Hubbard Broadcasting

Reporter/Anchor

Albany, NY · On-site

Meet with the News Director, reporters and other news anchors to be briefed on the day's news ... Broad knowledge of local, national and international affairs (e.g. political, economic, legislative ...

KQED

LT Reporter, Politics

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This includes local and statewide political races, leaders, trends and policy debates. The reporter is expected to develop areas of expertise within the realm of politics and to build upon that in ...

Semafor

Global Business and Finance Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

... political and geopolitical forces reshaping the world of business and capital markets * Write ... A proven, scoop-hungry reporter with at least 5 years of experience and a demonstrated track record ...

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Political Reporter information

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$19K

$61.1K

$96K

How much do political reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for political reporter in the United States is $61,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do political journalists make?

Political journalists typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced reporters or those working for major outlets earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the size of the media organization, and many also receive benefits and opportunities for freelance work or additional reporting assignments.

What does a political reporter do?

A political reporter covers news and events related to politics, government, and public policy. Their job involves researching and writing articles, conducting interviews with politicians and experts, attending press conferences, and analyzing political developments. Political reporters also fact-check information, provide context for ongoing events, and help inform the public about important political issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online media, or broadcast outlets, and often work under tight deadlines to deliver timely and accurate news.

What are some common challenges political reporters face when covering breaking news events?

Political reporters often face tight deadlines and the need to quickly verify facts when covering breaking news, especially during elections or major policy announcements. They must balance accuracy with speed, sometimes working late hours or on weekends to keep up with fast-changing developments. Additionally, maintaining impartiality and building trustworthy sources in a highly scrutinized field can be challenging, but these are essential for delivering reliable coverage. Team collaboration is key, as reporters frequently coordinate with editors, photographers, and fellow journalists to ensure comprehensive reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Political Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Reporter, you need strong research, interviewing, and writing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or political science. Familiarity with content management systems, data analysis tools, and multimedia platforms is essential for timely and accurate reporting. Critical thinking, ethical judgment, and the ability to build relationships are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for delivering accurate, insightful, and trustworthy political news to the public.

What Does a Political Reporter Do?

A Political Reporter is a journalist who has the responsibility of documenting current events and issues of the day concerning local and federal government. You will tell these stories through the actions and perspectives of local, regional, national, or international elected officials and their allies and rivals. This can be communicated through print, television, radio, digital or other media. In some cases, you will be required to travel and cover certain events in person depending on your exact role. As a Political Reporter, you must be a skillful interviewer and researcher who is able to meet sometimes challenging deadlines. You should be a talented storyteller with the ability to stay neutral or to clearly deliver multiple viewpoints on each issue in fair and balanced coverage.

What is the difference between Political Reporter vs Political Correspondent?

AspectPolitical ReporterPolitical Correspondent
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, press conferences, on-the-ground reportingNewsrooms, live events, political campaigns
Employer & IndustryMedia outlets, newspapers, TV stationsMedia outlets, TV networks, online platforms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding political news coverageUnderstanding roles in political media coverage

Both Political Reporters and Political Correspondents work in political journalism, often covering similar topics. However, Political Reporters typically focus on reporting news stories and breaking political events, while Political Correspondents often provide in-depth analysis and live coverage from political events. Their roles overlap, but the main difference lies in their focus and style of reporting.

How to become a political news reporter?

To become a political news reporter, typically a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong writing and research skills, and building a network in media organizations are essential steps. Proficiency with digital tools and understanding of political processes also enhance job prospects.

What is the role of a political reporter?

A political reporter researches, writes, and reports on political events, policies, and government actions for news outlets. They gather information through interviews, attend press conferences, and analyze political developments to inform the public. Strong writing skills, knowledge of politics, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential in this role.

What jobs can you get with political communications?

A political communications degree or experience can lead to roles such as political analyst, public relations specialist, campaign manager, communications director, or media strategist. These jobs often require strong writing, media skills, and understanding of political processes and messaging strategies.
More about Political Reporter jobs
What cities are hiring for Political Reporter jobs? Cities with the most Political Reporter job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Political Reporter jobs? The top employers for Political Reporter jobs are:
What states have the most Political Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Political Reporter jobs include:
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Political Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Reporter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,112 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
National Politics Reporter

National Politics Reporter

Politico

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Job Description:

POLITICO is seeking an enterprising, high-energy reporter to join our Politics team, covering the forces reshaping American politics during the most consequential elections of our time.

This reporter will be part of a team focused on owning the biggest political storylines during a period of shifting coalitions, uncertainty around the future of the Democratic and Republican parties and the fast-approaching midterms through 2028.

Our politics coverage is driven by two core principles: authority and sophistication. We lead the conversation - driving key themes early and often with reporting that is distinctively POLITICO, combining deep political analysis with policy expertise.

We're not trying to cover everything. Instead we strive to produce the smartest political journalism you read each and every week. Our readers come away more deeply informed, with a clearer understanding of the forces shaping politics now and what's coming next.

This reporter will play a central role in that mission - breaking major news, identifying emerging trends ahead of competitors and connecting dots across the White House, Congress, campaigns and state capitals. Success in this role requires not just speed, but judgment: knowing what matters, why it matters and how to frame it with clarity and authority.

The ideal candidate approaches each day as a creative and competitive challenge - experimenting with storytelling, collaborating across platforms and delivering both fast, high-impact reporting and deeply sourced enterprise. This is a role for a reporter who can move quickly and generate original ideas, who is as comfortable authoring quick hits as they are stepping back to explain the broader political moment.

We are aggressively nonpartisan and grounded in reporting. Our edge comes from strong sourcing, sophisticated analysis and a clear framing rooted in facts. Done right, our journalism drives the conversation - producing stories people read, learn from, share and talk about.

We're looking for a reporter who can hit the ground running on 2026 coverage, while positioning themselves and the team to lead on the 2028 election.

Who You Are:

  • You have sharp political instincts and a feel for where the story is going

  • You are wired to compete - you want to break news and own the storyline

  • You're fluent in the language of politics - campaigns, power centers, policy and personalities - and can move easily between them

  • You don't chase every headline; you know how to focus on what matters and go deep enough to dominate it

  • You bring authority to your reporting - grounded in sourcing, not spin - and are comfortable making sense of complex dynamics for a sophisticated audience

  • You think beyond the day-to-day, constantly asking what this moment means for the midterms and the next presidential cycle

  • You write with clarity and purpose, delivering journalism that is as smart as it is readable

  • You thrive in a high-expectations newsroom, push your colleagues and expect to be pushed in return

What You'll Do:

  • Break news and deliver fast, authoritative coverage on the biggest political storylines

  • Drive and own high-impact pieces that shape the conversation around the midterms

  • Produce agenda-setting enterprise that surfaces emerging political trends

  • Contribute to innovative, cross-platform storytelling that reaches a core political audience

  • Collaborate closely with colleagues across the POLITICO newsroom

What You'll Need:

  • Deep knowledge of national politics

  • A track record of clean, compelling, authoritative writing and original reporting

  • Proven ability to break news while developing sophisticated enterprise

  • Strong news judgment and the ability to identify what matters - and why

  • The ability to translate complex political and policy dynamics into clear, insightful coverage

  • A collaborative mindset and the drive to compete in a fast-paced newsroom

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter and 3-5 clips to the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

We value our people.Clickherefor more on what we offer and whatit'slike to work for POLITICO.

Let'skeep in touch.You can view our list of open positionshere. We hope to see your application soon!

About Us.

POLITICO illuminates the forces shaping global power. Since 2007, we have delivered intelligence thatanticipatestomorrow's headlines, not reports on yesterday's news. As politics has increasingly become the defining force of our era, our work has never been more vital.

Cabinet secretaries and Ministers start their mornings with our analysis. CEOs shape strategy around our reporting. Advocacy leaders rely on our insights to move policy. We deliver the straightforward facts and clear-eyed analysis they need to navigate the most complex political landscape of our lifetimes.

Our 1,100+ publishing professionals across the world's key democratic capitals-Washington, Brussels, London, Paris, Berlin, Sacramento, and New York-form the world's premier politics and policy newsroom. We tell the story of how power really works by explaining who wields it and how they plan to exercise it, connecting dots others miss and delivering scoops from sources othersdon'teven know exist.

Innovation has always been a core tenet of our story. At launch, we bet that depth would trump scale, that talent would trump traffic, and that politics would become central to modern life. In 2011, we made another bet and launched POLITICO Pro to help decision-makers understand the business of government, transforming both how they shape government action and the business of journalism itself.

These bets have made POLITICO the most successful digital news startup of its generation and the indispensable resource for leaders who shape the future. Today, we are a rarity inmedia: a growing, profitable, and sustainable news organization.

POLITICO is a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE, a family-owned transatlantic media company headquartered in Berlin and New York. Axel Springer is dedicated to shaping the future of journalism in the free world, believing that a free and informed society is essential to democracy. The company's guiding principles - first articulated asThe Essentialsby founder Axel Springer in the aftermath of World War II - remain a cornerstone of the company's foundation today.Learn more about Axel Springer.

Posting date:

2026-04-16

Title:

National Politics Reporter

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