Congressional Reporter

The Washington Post is seeking a deeply sourced, creative and high-energy reporter to cover Congress at a consequential moment in American politics.

We’re looking for a journalist who thrives on breaking news, cultivating powerful sources and translating the often-arcane workings of Capitol Hill into urgent, accessible journalism for a broad audience. The ideal candidate has a proven record of delivering agenda-setting scoops and a clear vision for telling stories about Congress that resonate far beyond Washington.

This reporter will help readers understand not only what lawmakers are doing, but why it matters — illuminating the characters, power struggles and policy battles that shape the country. They will be equally comfortable delivering hard-edged accountability reporting and sharp, human storytelling, bringing seriousness or wit as the moment demands.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom. 

What Motivates You: 

• You are driven to break news and compete aggressively on one of Washington’s most important beats. 

• You thrive on cultivating deep, durable source relationships across the political spectrum. 

• You enjoy making complex legislative fights clear and compelling for a general audience. 

• You are curious about power — how it is wielded, negotiated and sometimes abused. 

• You are collaborative and eager to work as part of a high-performing team. 

How You’ll Support the Mission: 

• Work closely with The Post’s Congress team to make developments on Capitol Hill — and their effects across the country and around the world — engaging and accessible. 

• Break news on members of Congress, leadership dynamics and legislative strategy. 

• Develop and maintain key sources, including lawmakers, aides, activists, lobbyists and constituents. 

• Cover major policy fights, assessing and illuminating how they affect Americans. 

• Track and explain the relationship between Congress and other centers of political power, including the White House and the Judiciary. 

• Produce rigorous, fair-minded journalism that adheres to the highest ethical standards and gives all parties a meaningful opportunity to respond. 

• Collaborate with data reporters and visual journalists to present stories in the most impactful formats. 

The Skills and Experiences You Bring: 

• At least three years of experience covering Congress or another legislative body, with a track record of breaking impactful stories. 

• Demonstrated ability to move quickly and write clearly under deadline pressure. 

• Strong source-building skills and a deep understanding of legislative process and political strategy. 

• A sharp instinct for stories that will resonate beyond insider audiences. 

• An eagerness to collaborate across a competitive, fast-paced newsroom environment. 

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Mar. 29 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Congress Editor John Wagner, Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann and Managing Editor Peter Spiegel. 

The salary range for this position is $97,400 - $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.