California Statehouse Reporter

Date Posted	August 25, 2025
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Politics
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$70,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and the unique qualities you bring to the role.

Description:

Statehouse Reporter

Sacramento, CA

The Mission:

We’re seeking a full-time Statehouse Reporter based in Sacramento who isn’t afraid to knock on doors, chase scoops, parse budget bills and ask tough (but fair) questions. Someone who’s excited by the challenge of reporting from the place where decisions that shape everyday life are made — the California Statehouse.

We’re searching for someone who is insightful, trusted, nonpartisan and unflinchingly committed to the truth. We seek integrity, grit and a passion for telling the stories that count.  

To be clear: This is not a parachute-in, write-a-quick-hit-and-go kind of job. This is for someone who wants to live where the action is, build deep sources, earn the trust of insiders and outsiders alike and become an essential guide to California politics and policy.

We want someone who:

• Believes local and state journalism is not only vital, but heroic.

• Knows how to write with authority, elegance and punch — on deadline.

• Is a self-starter with a drive to uncover what others miss.

• Is just as comfortable explaining the details of a tax package as covering the politics behind it.

• Thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to contribute to a growing network of statehouse reporters around the country.

• Is eager to live in Sacramento, dig in and own the California state government beat.

The Role:

• Report on the people, power and policies shaping California — from the governor’s office to the committee rooms to the halls of the judiciary.

• Produce regular scoops, analysis, Playmaker Profiles and explainers for an engaged, insider audience.

• Develop sources across the political spectrum and across the state.

• Help State Affairs remain the go-to source for smart, reliable and fearless statehouse news.

• Contribute to special series, newsletters and public-facing events.

• Collaborate with other State Affairs journalists to break silos and elevate coverage nationwide.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of reporting experience, preferably covering politics, government or public policy

• Proven ability to write clean, compelling and accurate stories.

• Commitment to nonpartisan, fact-based journalism.

• A sense of humor and curiosity.

• Comfort working independently and with a remote team.

Bonus if you have:

• Experience in statehouse reporting.

• Audio, video or data journalism skills.

• Ideas for how to make civic reporting more accessible and engaging.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience
At least three to five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred.

Salary

$70,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience, skills, and the unique qualities you bring to the role. We're looking for a standout candidate who can deliver exceptional results.  

What we offer

Health care benefits, including dental and vision; 

To Apply:

Send us your resume, a cover letter that tells us why this is your beat and 3-5 writing samples to alison@stateaffairs.com with the subject line “California Statehouse Reporter.”

About State Affairs

State Affairs is the nation’s leading news and policy intelligence platform focused on state governments. We combine nonpartisan coverage of Statehouses across the country alongside state government data and AI-native tools into a singular platform. 

We inform and empower decision makers, policy professionals and citizens through our award-winning journalism and data – delivering profound insights to help our customers decode and act on state politics and  policy. We’re building a category-defining business that will reshape America as we strengthen visibility into what’s happening and why at the state level.