Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Richmond Times-Dispatch Entry Title: Best of Michael Paul William's columns Entry Credit: Michael Paul Williams Judge Comment: The writer's columns are insightful, well-reported and gracefully written. The writer is also highly versatile, balancing hard-hitting pieces with gently humorous and heart-warming columns.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Washington Times Entry Title: True politician Marjorie Taylor Greene takes the money and runs; Democrats have nothing but losing ideas going into 2026 midterms, Trump wounds MAGA brand with inhuman rant on Rob Reiner Entry Credit: Joseph Curl Judge Comment: These columns are incisive and hard-hitting by a writer who, admirably, is an equal opportunity critic.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Richmond Times-Dispatch Entry Title: Best of Jeff Shapiro's columns Entry Credit: Jeff Shapiro Judge Comment: The writer's columns are highly engaging -- excellent work at the conclusion of a long persevering career.
Competition Comment: Judging this category was exceptionally challenging. These columns represent superb writers at the top of their game. It is unfortunate that all entries could not be recognized. This category reflected across-the-board excellence.
