About Salena Zito

Salena Zito

Salena Zito

Salena Zito joined the Washington Examiner in 2016 as a Western Pennsylvania-based columnist and reporter covering national politics and culture. She is also a weekly columnist at the New York Post, contributes to The Wall Street Journal and co-authored “The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics” with Brad Todd. In 2018, she won first place for her columns in the Associated Press for her coverage of American politics, and she also won the Barbara Olson award for excellence and independence in journalism.

She has taught journalism at the Harvard Institute of Politics, Washington and Lee University, and Hillsdale College.

She has interviewed every president, vice president and candidate who sought their party’s nomination on both sides of the aisle in the 21st century.

...

The Choices That We Make Feb 03, 2026

WHEELING, West Virginia — West Virginia is the only state in the United States that is located entirely within the 13-state, 423-county Appalachian region. Much of the beauty, sorrow and challenges we think of when it comes to the region origin... Read More

...

The End of the Road for the Little Dinner That Could Jan 27, 2026

LIGONIER, Pennsylvania — All that remained of Ruthie's Diner on Jan. 21 was charred, ice-encased rubble — the aftermath of firefighters' desperate efforts to extinguish the blaze that ultimately consumed the modest eatery, which for more ... Read More

...

Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers Celebrate the Whole Milk Act Jan 20, 2026

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — When word reached the dairy farmers gathered at the Pennsylvania Farm Show that President Donald Trump had signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, cheers echoed through the cavernous 24-acre complex packed with fa... Read More

...

In Reelection Launch, Josh Shapiro Admits Violent Attack Almost Drove Him From the Race Jan 13, 2026

COLLIER TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) launched his reelection bid in western Pennsylvania on Thursday, highlighting his accomplishments since taking office in 2023 and outlining his goals for a second term. Despite noting t... Read More