Sacramento Capitol Scoop Reporter

G0549 Politico LLC; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

POLITICO seeks an enterprising politics and policy reporter based in Sacramento to cover California’s statehouse, track power dynamics, and illuminate what’s at stake for audiences globally. This role emphasizes scoops, reliable sourcing, and clear storytelling across major policy fights and campaigns.

The ideal candidate has significant experience reporting on politics, strong writing, and the initiative to drive ambitious stories in coordination with editors and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Significant experience reporting on politics or state government.
• Curiosity about California politics and political figures.
• Initiative to generate ambitious story ideas and lead development with editors.
• Strong news judgment and deadline discipline.
• Exceptional ability to explain policy clearly while preserving stakes.

Responsibilities

• Break consequential stories and report on personalities, power and policy debates.
• Serve as POLITICO’s eyes and ears in the statehouse, identifying conflicts gaining traction.
• Report on the governor’s role in legislative negotiations with the administration reporter.
• Contribute to coverage of California campaigns and statewide races.
• Collaborate with policy beat colleagues and other state capitals when tied to broader themes.

Skills

Political reporting

State government knowledge

Source development

Clear writing

Job description

POLITICO seeks an enterprising politics and policy reporter based in Sacramento to cover California’s statehouse, track power dynamics, and illuminate what’s at stake for audiences globally. This role emphasizes scoops, reliable sourcing, and clear storytelling across major policy fights and campaigns.

The ideal candidate has significant experience reporting on politics, strong writing, and the initiative to drive ambitious stories in coordination with editors and colleagues.