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Political Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We Vote

Political Data Intern - Fall 2026

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$17 - $22.75/hr

Research and update political candidate information for several U.S. states (you get to choose regions you want to learn about from the whole country) * Track candidate declarations and ballot ...

Palo Alto Networks

Staff Security Researcher

Encino, CA · On-site

$113K - $182K/yr

Sr. Staff Researcher At Palo Alto Networks ® , we're united by a shared mission--to protect our ... disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including ...

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All JobsPolitical Researcher JobsPolitical Researcher Jobs in California

Political Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do political researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for political researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a political researcher do?

A political researcher gathers, analyzes, and interprets data related to political systems, public policies, elections, and government activities. They often work for think tanks, political parties, advocacy groups, or academic institutions, supporting decision-making by providing insights and recommendations. Their work may include conducting surveys, reviewing legislation, monitoring media, and preparing reports on political trends or issues. Political researchers play a vital role in informing political strategies and public understanding of political processes.

What are some common challenges political researchers face when gathering and analyzing data?

Political Researchers often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable and up-to-date information, especially from restricted or rapidly changing sources. Balancing objectivity and accuracy when interpreting data is essential, as is managing tight deadlines for delivering research to stakeholders. Additionally, researchers frequently collaborate with analysts, policy experts, and communication teams, requiring strong communication skills to ensure findings are clearly presented and actionable.

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

To thrive as a Political Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, a background in political science or a related field, and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), public databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for interpreting information and presenting findings. These abilities enable Political Researchers to produce accurate, insightful analysis that supports policy decisions, campaigns, and scholarly work.

What are popular job titles related to Political Researcher jobs in California?

For Political Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Researcher jobs in California are:

Political Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Political Data Intern - Fall 2026

We Vote

Oakland, CA • On-site, Remote

$17 - $22.75/hr

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

* Fraud and phishing warning *
Please apply directly via our volunteering portal/ATS at https://wevote.applytojob.com/apply. Do not apply via any other job portals, aggregators, or sites, as your information may not be secure, or the role may no longer be accepting applications. Thank you
Volunteer Role: WeVote Political Data Intern (Volunteer Position)
Location: Remote within the US
About WeVote
WeVote is a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote nonprofit startup and a celebrated Fast Forward nonprofit technology grantee. WeVote is a movement of over 180 passionate volunteers (starting with the founders) who are building open-source mobile technologies that touch and mobilize millions of voters on Election Day. We observe that many voters are busy, distracted, and impatient. We have a goal of providing a complete voting experience in 8 minutes, including the download of our app ("WeVote Ballot Guide, @WeVote"). More information is at WeVote.US. See Twitter @WeVote. We are a 100% volunteer and remote organization.
A bit more about the Fall 2026/27 Intern Cohort
We have a strong history of Internship cohorts (200+ interns over the past four years). We have built 8 teams of Interns, led by experienced professionals who have a strong connection to academia and our mission. Our interns learn about the current landscape of candidates running for office, politicians in office, and endorsers who support these candidates. Beyond political research, we are always looking to offer ways you can build your professional skills, and grow as a person in a way that leads to your future success.
What You'll Do
  • Research and update political candidate information for several U.S. states (you get to choose regions you want to learn about from the whole country)
  • Track candidate declarations and ballot measures
  • Collect voter guides and endorsements from a range of organizations
  • Manage and input data into our open-source platforms
  • Spot-check political data nationwide and research reported issues
  • Support marketing with relevant political data insights

Requirements
  • Interest in civic engagement, elections, or U.S. politics
  • Detail-oriented, inquisitive, and proactive learner
  • Willingness to collaborate remotely with a diverse volunteer team
  • FALL INTERNS: Commitment of 10 hours/week for 10-12 weeks during Fall (incl. 1 hour team meeting M-F, 8am-5pm PT)
  • Alignment with WeVote's nonpartisan mission & values (shared in process)
  • Access to device/internet; we're open to discussing access needs
  • Be located in the US during the academic term

What You'll Gain
  • Resume-worthy experience in political data, civic tech, and nonprofit work
  • Growing network of civically engaged peers and mentors
  • Personalized letter of recommendation after successful completion
  • Direct impact on equitable voter access and information

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Accessibility
WeVote is fully volunteer-driven, and we are proud of our grassroots model. We welcome volunteers of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, income levels, and political perspectives-everyone committed to fair, accessible elections. Whether you're new or bring years of experience, there's a place for you. We know that unpaid roles present barriers. We offer flexible hours and encourage open discussion of needed accommodations for technology, time, or work style.
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief note or cover letter describing:
  • Why you're interested in WeVote and our mission and how being an intern will help you on your career path
  • A bit about yourself, your background or interests
  • Any questions you have for us

Apply