Payton May

Payton May is a Pacific Northwest-native and joined KOLD 13 News as a Reporter in July 2025.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Political Science. While at USC, Payton was an Anchor and Reporter for Annenberg TV News, as well as the Politics Editor for Annenberg Media. She’s a proud Trojan and represented the university as a Student Ambassador and Tour Guide for the USC Admissions Center #FightOn!

Payton’s reporting previously brought her to Arizona when she covered the 2024 presidential and senate candidates ahead of the election. She was the National Correspondent for ATVN’s live Election Night show, which won several awards from the Broadcast Education Association and Society of Professional Journalists. She also interned for NBC News on their Social Newsgathering team in New York.

Payton is excited to bring her passion for politics and local journalism to southern Arizona, as well as learn all that Tucson has to offer! When she’s not working, you can find Payton exploring the outdoors, trying new restaurants, or sitting at the pool with a good book.

Feel free to reach out to Payton with any story ideas or just to say hi!