California Capitol Reporter

POLITICO • Sacramento, CA

7d • $90,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

POLITICO is seeking an enterprising, scoop-driven politics and policy reporter to cover California’s statehouse. Based in Sacramento, they will get ahead of the Capitol’s biggest stories, track its shifting alliances and power struggles, and illuminate what’s at stake for California — and for our audiences across the globe.

We’re looking for a politically astute reporter and a clear, fluid writer who can narrate complex policy and behind-the-scenes maneuvering with the authority POLITICO’s deeply engaged subscribers expect and the clarity a broader audience needs.

This reporter should have — or be able to quickly build — reliable sources among leaders and aides in both the Assembly and Senate, along with other lawmakers, lobbyists and key players across the Capitol. They should closely follow what lawmakers and their allies are focused on, fighting over and worried about. They should know how to turn a tip, a debate or a shift in mood at the Capitol into a compelling story, and spot when a policy fight could become a national political test. And they must be ready to move with urgency as major developments unfold.

Requirements

• Significant experience reporting on politics or state government, with a track record of strong enterprise reporting and scoops.
• A deep curiosity about California politics and political figures.
• The initiative to generate ambitious story ideas and lead their development through publication in close coordination with reporters and editors.
• Strong news judgment, a competitive instinct for getting to the story first and a clear head under deadline pressure.
• Exceptional writing skills and a knack for explaining policy clearly and fairly without losing the political stakes.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to quickly build reliable sources among leaders and aides in both the Assembly and Senate, along with other lawmakers, lobbyists and key players across the Capitol.

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.

Benefits

• Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 Annual Base. The final salary offered will be based on factors including relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed