California Capitol Reporter: Power, Policy & Scoops

POLITICO; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

POLITICO is seeking an enterprising politics and policy reporter based in Sacramento to cover California’s statehouse, breaking big stories, tracking alliances, and explaining what’s at stake for California and POLITICO’s global audience.

You’ll develop reliable sources across the Assembly and Senate, report on the governor’s role in negotiations, and contribute to coverage of campaigns, races, and policy battles with clarity and urgency.

Qualifications

• Significant experience reporting on politics or state government.
• Track record of strong enterprise reporting and scoops.
• Deep curiosity about California politics and political figures.
• Ability to generate ambitious story ideas and lead their development.
• Strong news judgment and ability to work under deadline pressure.
• Exceptional writing that explains policy clearly while preserving political stakes.

Responsibilities

• Break consequential stories and report on the personalities, power struggles and policy debates shaping California state government.
• Serve as POLITICO’s eyes and ears in the statehouse, identifying the conflicts and concerns gaining traction inside the Capitol.
• Report on the governor’s role in legislative negotiations, coordinating with POLITICO’s reporter covering the administration.
• Contribute to coverage of major California campaigns, reporting on races and ballot fights with statewide stakes.
• Work closely with colleagues on policy beats and with reporters in other state capitals when California’s fights connect to broader political or policy themes.

Skills

Politics reporting

Enterprise reporting

Scoop generation

State government knowledge

Strong writing

Job description

POLITICO is seeking an enterprising politics and policy reporter based in Sacramento to cover California’s statehouse, breaking big stories, tracking alliances, and explaining what’s at stake for California and POLITICO’s global audience.

You’ll develop reliable sources across the Assembly and Senate, report on the governor’s role in negotiations, and contribute to coverage of campaigns, races, and policy battles with clarity and urgency.