Renzo Downey

Renzo Downey is an accomplished journalist with a strong focus on politics and criminal justice. Currently serving as the Lead Writer for "The Blast," a politics insider newsletter at The Texas Tribune since February 2023, Renzo previously reported on state government for FloridaPolitics.com, emphasizing issues within criminal justice and unions from November 2019 to January 2023. Additional experience includes a state desk internship at the Austin American-Statesman, where Renzo covered the 86th Texas Legislature, and an undergraduate internship with the Cook County Public Defender, providing comprehensive support for legal cases. Renzo's early reporting at Medill News Service and the Youth Project: Chicago Bureau highlighted political and criminal justice issues affecting youth. Renzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a double major in Political Science and a minor in Geography from Northwestern University.