Elections & Politics Reporter

Date Posted	February 13, 2026
Industry	Newspapers, Digital Media, Government
Specialty	Politics
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$50-$70k, depending on experience

Description:

Oil City News is seeking a sharp, aggressive and civic-minded Elections & Politics Reporter to lead our coverage of the democratic process in Wyoming. This isn't a "meeting-chaser" role, although covering a meeting isn't entirely ruled out; we're looking for a journalist who can track statewide and local races, track campaign finance, and provide essential context to voters in Natrona, Campbell and Laramie counties.

Based in scenic Wyoming, you'll serve as the primary watchdog for local elections while keeping a pulse on statewide races and the Wyoming Legislature. You will be tasked with educating the public on Wyoming's voting process, keeping candidates accountable, and ensuring our readers in Casper, Gillette, and Cheyenne are the most informed voters in the state.  Your work will be published on Wyoming's largest local news websites as well as the all new Oil City Weekly newspaper, informing hundreds of thousands of readers each month.

The ideal candidate understands that political reporting isn't just covering what happens at the rostrum — it's what fuels a healthy democracy. You'll report to the Managing Editor and collaborate with our newsrooms at Oil City News, County 17 and Cap City News.

Essential Functions

• Prioritized Beat Coverage: Deliver deep-dive reporting on elections and governance in Natrona County (Priority 1), Campbell County (Priority 2), and Laramie County (Priority 3).

• Statewide Impact: Monitor and report on statewide executive and legislative races.

• Data & Accountability: Analyze campaign filings, voting records, and legislative drafts to provide transparent, fact-based reporting.

• Engagement: Facilitate conversations regarding local policy and serve as a trusted, non-partisan voice for our growing audience.

• Versatility: Balance long-form election previews with rapid-fire breaking news and legislative updates.

Responsibilities

• Produce original, high-impact content for our digital-first platforms and printed voters guide(s).

• Develop a network of sources including election officials, candidates, and community stakeholders.

• Translate "political speak" into clear information for the general public.

• Monitor legislative trends and discussions on brand platforms and social media.

• File real-time reports from local polling places and campaign headquarters.

• Some photography work

Prerequisites:

• Experience or formal training as a journalist covering elections and/or general interest local news

• Must live in or be willing to relocate to Casper, Wyoming or nearby communities.

• Excellent written communication skills; ability to write quickly and accurately

• Experienced social media user

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50-70k annually, depending on experience.

• Schedule: 40 hours per week (Expect seasonal fluctuations during election cycles and legislative sessions).

• Paid Time Off: 5 days in year one (accrued); 10 days starting year two.

• Holidays: 10 paid holidays (including Black Friday and Christmas Eve) with a rotating "floating holiday" system to ensure newsroom coverage.

• Retirement: IRA with employer matching.

• Insurance: Health/Dental Insurance (subject to 30–90 day waiting period; details available via HR).

  
  

  Oil City News LLC (http://www.oilcity.news), is a family-owned, independent publishing company with reporters throughout the state of Wyoming.  We’re located in the heart of Wyoming, which means you’ll have extensive access to fresh air and the great outdoors, including mountains, lakes, state/national parks and miles of great trails.

  To apply, send your resume and at least three samples of your work to publisher@oilcity.news. No phone calls, please. TELECOMMUTERS NEED NOT APPLY.