Paul Schwartzman

Washington, D.C.

Reporter specializing in political profiles and narratives about life, death and everything in between

Education: Oberlin College, BA in English

Paul Schwartzman specializes in political profiles and narratives about life, death and everything in between. Before joining The Washington Post, he worked at the Bergen Record, the New York Post and the New York Daily News, where he covered Rudolph W. Giuliani’s rise as mayor. At the Washington Post, he has written for Metro, National, Style, and the Washington Post Magazine. He also has written profiles of Giuliani and Barry Scheck for Playboy magazine.
Latest from Paul Schwartzman

Ho-Ho-Hubcaps? How roadside trash became one man’s Christmas inspiration.

All this Baltimore man wanted for Christmas was discarded car debris. Then he transformed it into a holiday charmer.

December 1, 2024
Kate and Barnaby Wickham stand in front of the giant hubcap wreath at their Baltimore home on Nov. 20. Barnaby Wickham created the wreath out of discarded hubcaps.

Earl Monroe changed the NBA. At 80, he is still making moves.

“The Pearl” revolutionized professional basketball with his flashy style of play. As he reaches a milestone birthday, he is slowed but proud.

November 21, 2024

Alsobrooks faced a proven winner. Here’s how she defeated Larry Hogan.

The former Maryland governor faced insurmountable headwinds in race against Angela Alsobrooks, who will make history as Maryland’s first Black senator.

November 6, 2024
Republican senate candidate Larry Hogan talks to supporters after conceding victory to Prince George’s county executive Angela Alsobrooks during a watch party Tuesday.

The place that made them is now a battleground for these Md. Senate rivals

As Angela Alsobrooks and Larry Hogan make their closing pitches, their home county has become a key battleground where she derides his ties to a party that embraces Donald Trump and he says she will increase the partisan divide in Washington.

November 2, 2024
Democrat Angela D. Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan, opponents for Maryland's open U.S. Senate seat, both grew up in Prince George's County.

A mystery swirls around Capitol poop statue: Who took Pelosi’s nameplate?

The former House Speaker’s nameplate was broken off of the statue, which was intended to “honor” the Jan. 6 insurrectionists.

October 27, 2024
People stop on Oct. 24 to take photos of a satirical art installation on the National Mall that “honors” those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

D.C. Council member Vincent C. Gray says he has dementia, won’t cast votes

A judge this week also moved to appoint a guardian over Gray, who has had numerous health problems in recent years.

October 24, 2024
D.C. Council member Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) looks over as his wife, Dawn Kum, speaks on his behalf after he received an honorary doctorate during George Washington University’s graduation on the National Mall in May 2024. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

Retired professor pleads no contest to charge he stole valuable jewel

Lawrence Gray accepted punishment for pilfering a diamond and sapphire brooch that belonged to his host at a wedding celebration in 2016.

October 8, 2024
Retired professor Lawrence Gray, center, at his arraignment in Manhattan criminal court in 2023.

Amid deep political division, a call for civility at annual Red Mass

Three Supreme Court justices attended the Red Mass in downtown D.C. ahead of the start to another controversial term and during a turbulent presidential race.

October 6, 2024
Bishops, priests and cardinals leave after the celebrating the 72nd annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Sunday.

A trail of alleged bribes: How a contractor got lucrative D.C. work

A D.C. contractor allegedly bribed two city officials, prompting concern about how contracts are awarded.

October 4, 2024
D.C. Council member Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8) outside federal court last month. He has pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges.

Nonprofit in Trayon White bribery case got millions in D.C. contracts

City officials terminated two of Life Deeds’ contracts in 2019 and considered blocking the contractor for five years.

October 2, 2024
D.C. Councilman Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8) arrives at the federal courthouse in D.C. on Sept. 12.