AP names Colvin to politics post in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Jill Colvin, a government and politics reporter in New York who covered the administration of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the campaign to succeed him, has been appointed to a new position of New Jersey-based political writer for The Associated Press.

The appointment was announced Tuesday by Karen Testa, the AP’s editor for the East region of the U.S., and Larry Rosenthal, editor for Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“Jill is an exceptional reporter who thrives in a competitive market with her ability to develop sources,” Testa said. “She’s a dogged researcher and sharp observer whose skills will go a long way in coverage of the political ambitions of Gov. Chris Christie and other major political figures in the region.”

Colvin, 29, has been the senior political reporter at the New York Observer for the past year, reporting on how Bill de Blasio built a winning campaign for mayor and the early months of his administration.

She previously worked for three years as a City Hall reporter for DNAinfo.com, where she helped build the startup’s brand with aggressive coverage of city politics and data-driven enterprise. She also worked as a freelance reporter for the New York Daily News.

In her new role, Colvin will work closely with AP’s national political team in Washington.

“The AP’s commitment to government and political reporting is unwavering,” said David Scott, AP’s newly appointed political editor. “Having strong regionally focused writers with deep knowledge of the national political scene will benefit not just our state reports but the AP’s national political coverage. I’m thrilled Jill will soon be in New Jersey to do just that.”

Colvin, a native of Toronto, has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, where she also got her undergraduate degree, and a master’s in sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has been recognized for her work with awards from the Newswomen’s Club of New York, the New York Press Club and the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.