Texas Political Reporter

Texas Political Reporter Hearst Media Services

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5 Austin, TX Job Details Full-time 15 hours ago Qualifications Journalism Mid-level Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional communication Full Job Description Texas Politics Reporter The San Antonio Express-News is seeking an aggressive and insightful Texas Politics Reporter to join our Statehouse bureau in Austin . You will cover the people, policies, and power dynamics shaping Texas not just for the Express-News but the largest news organizations in Texas including the Houston Chronicle and the Austin American-Statesman. This reporter will be responsible for breaking news, producing sharp enterprise stories, and delivering smart analysis that explains what's happening in state government—and why it matters to our audiences. We're looking for someone who can cut through political noise to deliver meaningful, high-impact reporting that holds elected officials accountable and connects policy decisions to everyday life. From the Legislature to state agencies and campaign trails, this reporter will cover a wide range of political developments with urgency, depth, and clarity.

Key Responsibilities:

Be first and best on breaking political news while identifying and reporting on deeper trends that affect Texans. Deliver exclusive, high-impact stories that explain how state policies affect schools, cities, the environment, the economy, and more. Cover statewide elections and political campaigns with urgency and depth, focusing on both policy and how Texas shapes the national conversation. Build a strong network of sources in government, politics, advocacy, and watchdog groups to break news and deepen coverage. Write clearly and authoritatively for digital audiences, using smart framing, engaging headlines, and accessible language. Work collaboratively with visuals, data, and audience teams to create compelling journalism across text, video, graphics, and social platforms. We're looking for someone who: Has 3+ years of experience covering politics, government, or public policy—statehouse experience preferred. Is a sharp writer and reporter who can juggle breaking news, daily stories, and longer enterprise pieces. Understands the stakes of state government and can connect policies to the people and communities affected. Is comfortable navigating political power structures and understands how to report fairly, independently, and with authority. Has a digital-first mindset and understands how to optimize coverage for different audiences and formats Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and communicates well with colleagues across newsrooms.

Success is measured by:

Breaking stories that lead political coverage across Texas. Producing enterprise and accountability stories that inform, engage, and drive impact. Growth in engagement, readership, and reach of political coverage. Strong source relationships that result in exclusive reporting and deeper insight. This is a high-impact role covering one of the most powerful state governments in the country. If you're passionate about public accountability, political reporting, and helping readers understand the power behind the policies, we'd love to hear from you.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories

• growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms
• to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. Be a part of something bigger
• your headline awaits.

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