2022 "Press vs. Politicians" National Press Club Spelling Bee

Relationships between politicians and the media who cover them have been tested throughout history, but on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 in the National Press Club’s historic ballroom, fun and friendly competition will prevail as lawmakers and reporters compete in the uproariously entertaining Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee.

The first such event was held in 1913, with newly elected President Woodrow Wilson in the audience for the inaugural showdown, which was won by members of the House and Senate. The Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee was reinstated on its 100th anniversary in 2013 and has become a Washington tradition since. And after a three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the iconic event returns!

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the Bee will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door, along with a cash bar and complimentary snacks.

Our Spellebrity officials for the Bee include 1980 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion and official pronouncer for the Bee Dr. Jacques A. Bailly, 2021 Bee Champion Zaila Avant-garde and 2022 Bee Champion Harini Logan who will serve as judges.

This year's confirmed participants include...

Politicians:

• Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA)
• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
• Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)
• Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)
• Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) 
• Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA)

Press:

• Ramtin Arablouei, Co-Host of NPR's podcast Throughline
• Amy B Wang, National Political Reporter, The Washington Post
• Eric Geller, Cybersecurity Reporter, POLITICO
• Farnoush Amiri, Congressional Reporter, The Associated Press
• Martine Powers, Senior Host of The Washington Post's daily news podcast "Post Reports"
• John Donnelly, Senior Writer, CQ Roll Call