Who will spell victory in the Press & Politicians Spelling Bee in the Ballroom tonight?

Relations between politicians and the media who cover them have become increasingly intense, but tonight at 7 p.m. in the Ballroom, fun and friendly competition will prevail as lawmakers and reporters compete in the uproariously entertaining Press & Politicians Spelling Bee. 

Buy your tickets to support your favorite spellers and the NPCJI here. 

Proceeds from the Spelling Bee support the Club’s nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute. Each year, NPCJI serves more than 8,000 journalists through training, press freedom initiatives, scholarships, and more.

The first Press & Politicians Spelling Bee 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 spelling bee was reinstated on its 100th anniversary in 2013 and has become a Washington tradition since. 

Continuing with tradition, Scripps National Spelling Bee will provide the words, pronouncer, and judges.

This year’s competitors are:

Congresswoman Hillary J. Scholten - Michigan’s Third Congressional District 

Congressman Kevin Kiley - California's Third Congressional District 

Congressman Don Beyer - Virginia's Eighth Congressional District 

Congressman Chris Pappas - New Hampshire's First Congressional District 

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher - Texas’ Seventh Congressional District 

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs - California's 51st Congressional District 

Diana Paulsen - Associate Producer at ABC News Live 

Katie Vogel - Politics & D.C. Editor at The Associated Press 

Ben Nuckols - Sports Writer & Editor at The Associated Press 

Delece Smith-Barrow - Education Editor at POLITICO 

Alex Clearfield - Deputy Team Lead for State Litigation at Bloomberg Industry Group 

Jessica Mendoza - The Journal Podcast Co-Host at The Wall Street Journal