A series of pictures that depicts a story line or single theme devoted to U.S. politics or a U.S. politician. 12 photos maximum.
First Place
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Beto For Texas: Congressman Beto O'Rourke of El Paso challenged Tea Party favorite Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for his seat in the U.S. Senate. Although he lost, Beto created inroads for Texas Democrats and may be considering a 2020 run for the White House.
Second Place
Doug Mills, The New York Times
Hands on President: President Trump's second year in office was filled with campaign rally's and meetings. His hands and the hands around him help tell a story of his meetings with world leaders Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as well as the Gov. of West Virginia. Trump's hands help tell the story of his mood, from the cabinet room to Air Force One.
Third Place
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
A Judge On Trial: Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination and ascendence to the Supreme Court will be remembered as much for it’s hearing room battles over sexual assault accusations as it will be for it’s ground-shaking protests by women and abuse survivors. Not since the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas has the process been so heated and driven such a deep wedge into the American political dialogue.
Award of Excellence
Brendan Smialowski, Agence France-Presse
The Dynamic President Trump: Consistently unorthodox President Trump is not shy about using a dynamic approach to domestic and international leadership. While enjoying massive support from his base he challenges traditional political approaches. At time he is confrontational with allies but patient with advisories President Trump constantly voices confidence in his approach.
Award of Excellence
Jabin Botsford, The Washington Post
The Loneliest Man: The Loneliest Man: President Donald Trump closes the door on a second year in office, seemingly unfettered by his wake of scandal and controversy. The mass exodus of high level administration officials from his White House leaves him like a ship without a sail as he tries to navigate through a sea of Russian collusion, hush money payments, and twitter attacks. His brutish tantrums catapulted the nation into trade wars and a government shutdown at the year’s end. With more foes than friends, Trump pines for his wall in his final battle cry from his now lonely White House.
Award of Excellence
Bill Clark, CQ-Roll Call
Wexton Wins: State Sen. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., battled through a crowded primary field to face off against and defeat incumbent Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., In one of the most closely watched general election House races in the country.