The University of California, San Diego has assembled a broad network of scholars who can speak to the many facets of American elections. Whether a newsroom needs analysis of voter confidence, the impact of foreign interference, or the role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion, the campus provides a ready-to-talk expert pool. All faculty listed are open to interviews and can supply data-driven commentary for the upcoming electoral cycles.
Journalists should note that each professor also has a designated media contact, ensuring swift coordination. The following sections group the experts by thematic competence, making it easy to match a story’s angle with the appropriate voice.
Election trust, voting behavior and administration
Thad Kousser Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections, focuses on public confidence in the voting process, state-level election administration, and the forces shaping the 2026 midterms. His work blends survey research with a deep dive into how procedural details affect Media inquiries should be routed to Christine Clark.
Seth Hill also a Political Science professor, examines how citizens engage with the electoral system, the mechanics of polling, and the ways voters consume political information. His expertise sits at the intersection of political participation and election methodology, making him a valuable source for stories about voter turnout trends. Contact Christine Clark for interview requests.
Lauren Prather Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections, studies election integrity, foreign meddling, and how communication strategies influence public confidence. Her research highlights the link between monitoring efforts and democratic legitimacy. Inga Kiderra handles her media outreach.
Democracy, political violence and stability
Barbara F. Walter Professor of International Affairs and holder of the Rohr Chair in Pacific International Relations, investigates the drivers of political violence, domestic terrorism, and conditions that threaten democratic stability at home and abroad. Her insights are crucial for pieces exploring the rise of extremist groups. Inga Kiderra is the point of contact.
Jakana Thomas Professor and MacArthur Foundation Chair in International Justice and Human Rights, brings expertise on violent organizations, conflict resolution, and gendered dimensions of political violence. She can speak to peace-process dynamics and the intersection of security and human rights. Media requests go to Inga Kiderra.
Emilie Hafner-Burton Professor and Research Director of the Future of Democracy, explores how technology, authoritarian pressures, and international institutions shape democratic governance. Her work on digital authoritarianism and election-related tech offers a forward-looking lens on threats to democracy. Inga Kiderra manages her interview schedule.
Congress, parties and institutional reform
Pamela Ban Associate Professor of Political Science, covers the inner workings of Congress, campaign strategy, lobbying, and gender dynamics within politics. She can elucidate how legislative behavior influences policy outcomes. Christine Clark coordinates her media engagements.
David Fortunato Associate Professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, specializes in electoral system design, court reform, and broader institutional change. His perspective is valuable for analyses of potential reforms ahead of the midterms. Inga Kiderra is the contact person.
Benjamin Noble Assistant Professor, examines political polarization, party dynamics, and the structural challenges facing American institutions. He can provide context on the growing ideological divide in Congress. Media inquiries should be directed to Christine Clark.
Race, ethnicity, immigration and foreign policy
Marisa Abrajano Professor of Political Science, focuses on Latino voters, immigration policy, and the effects of misinformation on minority participation. Her research sheds light on how race and ethnicity shape electoral outcomes. Christine Clark is the media liaison.
LaGina Gause Associate Professor, studies civic engagement among racial and ethnic groups, protest movements, and representation gaps. She offers a nuanced view of how marginalized communities influence political discourse. Contact Christine Clark for interviews.
Zoltan Hajnal Professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, looks at voting rights, election timing, and how structural factors affect turnout among diverse populations. He can discuss the interplay between immigration law and voter behavior. Inga Kiderra handles his media requests.
Rafael Fernández de Castro Professor and Director of the Center for U.S.–Mexican Studies, provides expertise on U.S.–Mexico relations, border security, and how U.S. political shifts impact Mexican policy. He is a key source for cross-border election narratives. Inga Kiderra is the point of contact.
Branislav Slantchev Professor of Political Science, focuses on Russia, strategic competition, and international security—topics that often intersect with election narratives about foreign interference. Press inquiries should be sent to Christine Clark.
Daniel Hallin Professor Emeritus of Communication, examines political communication, journalism, and the evolving information environment surrounding elections. His work helps explain media coverage patterns and public perception. Christine Clark manages his interview requests.
Margaret Roberts Professor and Director of the 21st Century China Center, studies artificial intelligence, digital politics, and misinformation, especially regarding U.S.–China dynamics. Her insights are valuable for stories on tech-driven influence operations. Media contacts can be Inga Kiderra or Christine Clark.
Kimberly Claffy Scientist at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, assesses internet infrastructure security and the measurement of online disruptions during elections. She can speak to the technical underpinnings of election-related cyber threats. Tiffany Fox handles her media outreach.
Hovav Shacham Professor of Computer Science, specializes in applied cryptography, privacy-enhancing technologies, and the policy aspects of election integrity. His recent statements emphasize the lack of evidence for 2020 computer fraud while urging improvements to voting system confidence. Daniel Kane is his media contact.
All listed scholars are prepared to provide data-backed commentary, scholarly context, and forward-looking analysis for any outlet covering the U.S. election landscape. Reach out to the designated media contacts to schedule interviews, obtain research excerpts, or request expert statements.
