The Washington Post Embraces Patrick Svitek as Its National Politics Breaking News Reporter

A Collective Announcement from National Editor Philip Rucker, Deputy National Editor Amy Fiscus, Senior Politics Editor Dan Eggen, and National Politics Breaking News Editor John Wagner

With immense enthusiasm, we unveil the arrival of Patrick Svitek to The Washington Post’s esteemed newsroom as our National Politics Breaking News Reporter. Patrick’s profound expertise and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional coverage will undoubtedly bolster our team’s endeavors as we delve into the intricacies of the 2024 presidential campaign, the inner workings of the White House and Congress, and the ever-evolving landscape of national politics.

Patrick Svitek: A Trailblazing Journey in Journalism

Patrick’s journey in the realm of journalism has been marked by unwavering dedication, relentless pursuit of truth, and an innate ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Since 2015, he has been an integral part of the Texas Tribune, where he has served as the publication’s primary political correspondent. Throughout his decade-long career, Patrick has established himself as an authority on Texas politics, earning widespread recognition for his prolific scoops, incisive enterprise journalism, and generous mentorship of aspiring journalists. His coverage has encompassed political trends, shifting demographics, and a wide spectrum of elections at the national, state, and local levels.

During his tenure at the Texas Tribune, Patrick provided comprehensive coverage of presidential campaigns, including the high-stakes races of Ted Cruz and Rick Perry in 2016 and Julián Castro and Beto O’Rourke in 2020. His assignments took him to key nominating states, and he notably broke the news of Cruz’s withdrawal from the 2016 race. Moreover, Patrick has covered numerous campaigns for U.S. Senate, gubernatorial elections, and other statewide races. He has also provided readers with exclusive insights into the unique relationship between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott’s remarkable fundraising prowess, and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s historic impeachment trial.

Prior to joining the Texas Tribune, Patrick began his career in Texas politics in 2014 as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle’s Austin bureau.

Patrick Svitek’s Homecoming to The Washington Post

Patrick’s move to The Washington Post marks a homecoming of sorts. During his senior year at Northwestern University, he interned in our newsroom in 2014. As part of the Medill School of Journalism’s residency program, he assisted in covering local and regional news, including politics.

Personal Glimpses of Patrick Svitek

Patrick was born in Connecticut and spent his childhood there and in Indiana. He currently resides in San Antonio with his wife, Camille, and their beloved chihuahua, Murphy. Patrick enjoys an active lifestyle, including avid running, hiking, and cooking.

Welcoming Patrick to The Washington Post Family

We extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Patrick as he joins The Washington Post team. His exceptional reporting skills, dedication to journalism, and commitment to delivering insightful and impactful stories will undoubtedly contribute to our comprehensive coverage of national politics. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Patrick as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.