Trenton Reporter

Trenton Reporter

The Philadelphia Inquirer is hiring a Trenton-based reporter to cover New Jersey government and politics through a South Jersey lens. This is not a traditional statehouse beat. We’re looking for an enterprising, accountability-minded reporter who can explain what’s happening in Trenton and why it matters to readers primarily in Camden County, Gloucester County, and Burlington County.

You’ll focus on power, money, and the decisions that shape people’s daily lives: budgets, state services, governance, elections, and the political forces that drive them. You’ll also closely cover Gov. Mikie Sherrill, examining her relationship with South Jersey and her evolving dynamic with the Trump administration.

This role will include regular reporting in Trenton and across South Jersey. Please include three clips with your application: one breaking news, one enterprise, and one that showcases your ability to report on politics/government.

What You’ll Do:

• Build this beat from the ground up, generating original story ideas, cultivating sources, and developing coverage that goes beyond traditional daily statehouse reporting.
• Cover New Jersey government and politics with a clear emphasis on issues and consequences for South Jersey residents — not just the legislative process.
• Hold the governor’s office and state agencies to account, reporting on whether promises are kept and whether state services are effectively delivered.
• Track and explain the state’s major policy fights, with an eye toward substantive issues and cultural debates.
• Report on South Jersey power brokers and the political machine.
• Respond quickly and authoritatively to breaking news while balancing enterprise reporting and longer-term stories.
• Write for a digital-first audience, including newsletter readers, and experiment with alternative story forms and formats as needed.
• Contribute to an inclusive and positive work environment

Who We’re Looking For:

• At least 3 years of reporting experience, with a track record covering politics, elections, and governance.
• A reporter with a strong pulse for both national and local politics — and the ability to connect the two clearly for readers. You should be able to explain complex systems in a way that’s readable and useful.
• The ability to work on deadline and respond to breaking news.
• An expert multitasker who can juggle daily coverage with ambitious enterprise work.
• An accountability mindset and an authoritative voice.
• Prior knowledge of South Jersey politics and the local political machine is a plus, but not required.

About Us.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is the media brand of record in Philadelphia and the region, and the largest news media organization in the state of Pennsylvania. A daily habit for almost 200 years, The Inquirer delivers Pulitzer Prize-winning news, sports, food, and lifestyle journalism multi-platform: Inquirer.com, Inquirer newspaper, e-editions, apps, newsletters, social, video, podcasts, and live events, generating 15M monthly impressions. Locally owned and headquartered in Philadelphia, no media brand is more deeply connected to the city or better understands what drives it. Our influence also extends across key drive markets, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, as well as to Philadelphia expats who live across the country and root for the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, and the Union.

The Inquirer is an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state and/or local law.