California Confidential Reporter

CA Confidential Reporter, California Politics Newsletter

The San Francisco Chronicle is expanding its coverage of the state Capitol by launching an initiative that will focus on all aspects of legislation. To lead the initiative, the Chronicle is seeking a driven and intellectually curious journalist capable of helming a daily politics newsletter. 

California is one of the world’s top economies and its annual budget surpasses that of many countries. Laws made in California often have a major impact on the rest of the United States. Tracking the work of legislators crafting these policies is a critical job. 

The newsletter author will be a self-starter capable of unearthing news, reporting on daily developments and big-picture conversations on the most urgent political topics of the day and writing engaging copy in a distinctive voice for a newsletter that publishes five days a week.

The coverage will be done in partnership with USLege, an AI-powered government relations workflow tool and database that allows insiders to learn what’s happening in the legislative process in local city hall meetings all the way to the capital in Sacramento.

We are seeking someone with an entrepreneurial bent who is eager to launch a new project that they will own. This person should be passionate about how laws are made in California and how the process plays out throughout the state.

What you will do:

• Identify key legislation and report on how it is moving through the system.

• Package reporting, news and analysis on the California Capitol for a daily politics newsletter.

• Compete with local and national outlets to provide readers with the timeliest and most authoritative information.

• Create a must-read resource for daily politics news that examines legislation, lawmaker priorities and political jockeying and places it in the context of ongoing statewide and national conversations.

What it will take to be successful:

• At least three years covering a state legislature for a newsroom or related work environment

• Knowledge of the legislative process in California

• Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and a commitment to fairness

• An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment

• Solid editing and storytelling skills.

Requirements: 

• This position is full-time, Sunday through Thursday.

• The candidate must be based in Sacramento. Our in-office requirement does not apply to this position.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, mission-driven environment — no two days are the same

• Ongoing skills training on the latest digital and storytelling tools.

• Competitive compensation with room to advance your career.

• A team that listens — your ideas and voice matter here.

• Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) with competitive matching

• Generous paid time off, holidays, and parental leave

• Mental health & wellness support

• Fertility, menopause, and LGBTQ+ inclusive health benefits

• Pet wellness reimbursement and Rover credits

• Monthly child & dependent care assistance

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of