The midterm elections loom just weeks away, and every ballot box will help decide not only control of Congress but also the trajectory toward the 2028 presidential contest. Reporters racing against the clock need more than headline numbers; they need scholars who can translate complex trends into clear stories that resonate with readers.
To meet that demand, the University of Chicago has assembled a roster of faculty members whose research spans constitutional history, voter psychology, economic security, and emerging technology. Their expertise can illuminate why a single race matters, how demographic shifts are reshaping party coalitions, and what unexpected forces—like data-center siting or AI-driven chatbots—might sway voter sentiment.
Historical context and the road to 2028
Jon Rogowski a political scientist focused on the American presidency and the separation of powers, can trace how this year’s midterm elections compare with previous turning points. He explains that the balance of power after the vote will influence legislative agendas for the next two years and set the stage for the 2028 presidential primaries. By linking past election cycles to current partisan dynamics, Rogowski helps reporters frame the stakes beyond a simple win-lose tally.
Key contests, voter demographics and pressing policy worries
John Mark Hansen studies elections, public opinion, and congressional behavior. He provides insight into which districts are becoming battlegrounds, especially after recent gerrymandering challenges and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. Hansen can also discuss how legal battles over voting rights are likely to affect turnout, offering a legal-political lens for stories about contested results.
Cathy Cohen author of *Democracy Remixed*, specializes in youth activism and Black political engagement. Her research shows a surge in turnout among Black millennials and Gen Z voters, a trend that could tip close races. Cohen can illustrate how cultural movements intersect with ballot choices, giving reporters a human-focused angle on shifting electorate composition.
Steven Durlauf director of the Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality, examines the economic backdrop of the campaign. He can articulate how concerns over inflation rising interest rates, and
Paul Poast focuses on foreign policy’s domestic reverberations. He can explain how ongoing conflicts—such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with Iran—are reshaping American perceptions of global leadership, and how those perceptions translate into votes for candidates promising either interventionist or isolationist policies.
Emerging forces: technology, urban design, and religious politics
Emily Talen an urban-design scholar, can discuss community reactions to the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. Her work links public apprehension about AI infrastructure to broader political positioning, giving reporters a fresh angle on how tech-related land-use debates influence candidate platforms.
William Schultz a historian of American religion, offers perspective on the role of Christian nationalism and evangelical funding in shaping campaign strategy. His analysis helps reporters understand how religious identity intertwines with economic and cultural messaging in the midterm race.
Emily Alvarez senior research scientist at the AP-NORC Center, can unpack findings from the recent State of Facts report, which shows a steady decline in public trust toward federal officials and political candidates. Alvarez’s expertise in survey design adds credibility to stories about voter cynicism and information gaps.
Chenhao Tan created CivicChats, an AI-driven chatbot that educates voters on civic issues. He can speak to how AI tools are being deployed to foster more informed electorates, and what ethical considerations arise when machines enter the political conversation.
Carolyn Barnes examines the impact of recent changes to SNAP and Medicaid on the nation’s safety-net. Her insights connect policy adjustments to voter sentiment in low-income districts, highlighting how the bread-and-butter of social programs can become decisive election issues.
