The race for 2024 has 'unofficially' begun - let our expert explain who is already lining up to run
In America, it seems the country is never not in political campaign mode in one way or another.
As one general election comes to a conclusion all eyes become fixed on the crucial midterm elections just two years away that can be a referendum on the current administration or a powerplay by the opposition to seize back leverage in either the House or Senate or both.
As for who occupies the Whitehouse, speculation of 'who is next' sometimes even begins before a president is inaugurated every fourth January.
This time is no different. And with America narrowly divided between the Republicans and Democrats the GOP is already seeing several prominent and popular faces (some new and some not) surface to test their potential to challenge Joe Biden and the Democrats in 2024.
Once the midterms come to a close in November it'll be all eyes on 2024, and if you're a reporter looking to get ahead of the pack with your coverage, then let us help.
Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on presidential politics. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
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2 min
All eyes on Virginia as parents and school systems sue over mask-optional orders
Virginia has become the center of attention for lawmakers as seven school boards are taking Gov. Glenn Youngkin to court over mask-optional orders for students. A group of parents are also suing the new governor, who campaigned on ending mask mandates in public schools, and made it one of his first executive orders.
It’s a complicated and no doubt controversial stance – and to fully comprehend what’s going on and the political implications for both sides, media organizations like The Washington Post are contacting experts like UMW’s Stephen Farnsworth to help break it all down.
Fairfax School Board Chair Stella Pekarsky said in an interview Sunday that the lawsuit boils down to an issue of local control: “Can we make policies for our school system, or does the governor get to come and do that for us?” Youngkin, Pekarsky added, “does not tell us what to do.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said the twin lawsuits place significant pressure on Virginia’s court system to step in quickly to resolve the debate. “In situations like this, where there is no middle ground and where neither side has any interest in backing down, only judges can be the necessary umpires,” Farnsworth said. “The sooner they do so, the better for all concerned.” But nobody knows when that will happen. This is a hot button topic, and the result of the lawsuits may have national implications. Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on presidential politics. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. If you are a reporter covering the midterms and especially Virginia politics, simple click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
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1 min
Redrawing the electoral map – did redistricting even the playing field for Virginia voters?
Along with a new governor, Virginia voters will soon have new Congressional districts. The new map shows an altered state, leaving several incumbents living outside the areas they represent.
When any state redraws its lines, it is often met with skepticism and complaint. The true purpose of redistricting is to ensure that representation by population is achieved. But too often, efforts have been met with accusations of marginalizing pockets of voters or giving an added electoral advantage to one party or the other.
The Commonwealth of Virginia just went through the process of redistricting, and when journalists needed expert insight, they turned to UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth to help with their coverage.
Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on presidential politics. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. If you are a reporter covering the midterms and especially Virginia politics, simple click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
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Media
Social
Biography
Dr. Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on subjects ranging from presidential politics to the local Virginia congressional races. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC.
He is author or co-author of seven books on presidential communication. His work, "Presidential Communication and Character: White House News Management from Clinton and Cable to Twitter and Trump," examines how the last four U.S. presidents sell themselves and their policies in an ever-expanding and sometimes precarious media environment.
Among his other books are "The Global President;" "Spinner in Chief: How Presidents Sell Their Policies and Themselves;" "The Nightly News Nightmare: Media Coverage of U.S. Presidential Elections, 1988-2008;" "The Mediated Presidency: Television News and Presidential Governance;" "Political Support in a Frustrated America;" and "Late Night With Trump: Political Humor and the American Presidency."
A professor at University of Mary Washington for nearly two decades, he established the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. He is recipient of the 2017 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV), and was recognized for his service to the national political science honor society Pi Sigma Alpha. The University has bestowed four teaching honors, including the Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award, the Mary W. Pinschmidt Teaching Award, the Richard Palmieri Outstanding Professor Award and the Waple Research Professorship Award.
Areas of Expertise
Journalism
American Elections
American Government
The American Presidency
Internet Politics
Mass Media and Politics
Virginia Government and Politics
Accomplishments
Waple Research Professorship
2018-03-31
Awarded for outstanding research in political science.
Farnsworth Receives Outstanding Faculty Award
2017-01-04
Stephen J. Farnsworth, University of Mary Washington professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, has received the prestigious 2017 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV).
Farnsworth Receives National Political Science Association Award
2016-09-13
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the UMW Center for Leadership and Media Studies, was recognized for his dedication and service to Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, at the American Political Science Association Conference in September 2016.
Recipient, Distinguished Communicator Award
2016-04-10
Awarded by the Virginia Association of Communication Arts and Sciences.
Best Conference Paper Award in Political Communication
2011-04-01
Eastern Communication Association
Best Conference Paper Award in Political Communication
2009-04-01
Southern States Communication Association
J. William Fulbright Research Chair in Public Policy
2006-01-01
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award
2001-01-01
Awarded by the Alumni Association of Mary Washington College.
Mary W. Pinschmidt Teaching Award
1999-01-01
Presented by the graduating class to the faculty member "who had the greatest impact on their lives" at Mary Washington College.
Richard Palmieri Outstanding Professor Award
1999-01-01
Presented by Mortar Board honor and service society in recognition of exceptional teaching and service to Mary Washington College.
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Education
Georgetown University
Ph.D.
American Government
Georgetown University
M.A.
American Government
University of Missouri
B.A. (Honors)
History
Dartmouth College
B.A. (Honors)
American Government
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Affiliations
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society
Fredericksburg Regional Board of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia : Member
Former Chair, Political Communication Section of American Political Science Association. 2012-2014
Media Appearances
"Few interviews and an "overprotective" operation: how Biden hid the memory problems that "shocked" the Democrats
Observador, Portugal online
2024-08-01
"Few interviews and an "overprotective" operation: how Biden hid the memory problems that "shocked" the Democrats (Observador, Portugal) In statements to Observador, Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, believes that Biden's re-election bid has become "untenable". "Day after day, the Democrats urged him to step aside. This drumbeat undermined his ability to stay in the race," he said. "Biden's status as a candidate was dividing the Democrats like few things have in recent years."
Virginia convention delegation backs Harris, turnout to be key, analysts say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Richmond Times-Dispatch online
2024-07-24
“Harris may generate some increased support among those people sometimes called the ‘double haters,’ people not happy with either Biden or Trump as nominees,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
GOP attacks against Kamala Harris were already bad – they are about to get worse
The Conversation online
2024-07-24
Public opinion polls suggest that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is doing slightly better than Joe Biden was against Donald Trump, but Republican attacks against her are only now ramping up.
Spanberger gets big jump as Democrats look to 2025
Richmond Times-Dispatch online
2024-07-17
"It's clear that the Democrats are planning already for 2025," said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. "A lot of money is being dropped on candidates who aren't on the ballot this year.
Kamala Harris's Rebranding Could Make Her 'More Sympathetic' (Newsweek)
Newsweek online
2024-07-17
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, told Newsweek that her memes can help her reach young voters. "Vice President Harris has shown a greater ability to connect with younger voters than President Biden has. Her many appearances on college campuses and before younger groups, her focus on abortion rights, and her meme game make her an ambassador of sorts from the administration to younger adults," he said.
What effect will Trump shooting have on campaigns going forward?
VPM online
2024-07-16
Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, questions whether Democratic angst over the president in early July will make much difference to voters in November.
Kamala Harris, From Grey Vice President to Possible Biden Alternative
Sunday Vision online
2024-07-08
“If she steps down, Harris would be the best alternative for Democrats to avoid starting a major internal battle just weeks before the convention,” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, told EFE.
Va. analysts weigh in on Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling
Richmond Times-Dispatch online
2024-07-02
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said the Supreme Court “further reduced the slim chances” of a federal trial before the election stemming from Trump’s actions relating to Jan. 6, 2021.
Worried Democrats discuss replacing Biden in race (Voice of America; Los Angeles News Net)
Voice of America; Los Angeles News Net online
2024-07-02
"I cannot imagine Biden will drop out, NYT commentary or not, unless there is some major health matter that is not public knowledge. Or if one develops between now and Election Day," Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Mary Washington, told VOA.
Matter of Debate: RFK debate snub becomes latest setback for uphill campaign
Washington Examiner online
2024-06-28
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said if Kennedy avoided controversial topics including reports that he admitted a parasitic worm “ate a portion” of his brain, it could help him on the debate stage.
Primaries turn out only a small share of voters to the polls
Prince William Times online
2024-06-26
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, said Monday he’s not too surprised by the big dollar amounts. “Those big numbers have to do with the fact that these are D.C. suburban districts that could produce strong candidates,” Farnsworth said. “These districts are where the real competition in America is found today.”
Matter of Debate: RFK debate snub becomes latest setback for uphill campaign
Colorado Springs Gazette online
2024-06-26
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said if Kennedy avoided controversial topics including reports that he admitted a parasitic worm “ate a portion” of his brain, it could help him on the debate stage.
Could Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin be Trump's pick for VP?
Fox 5; Yahoo News online
2024-06-26
Professor Steven Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington tells FOX 5 he believes Youngkin is a serious vice-presidential contender. "It makes a lot of sense for Glenn Youngkin, I think, to be considered seriously because THE key issue for Donald Trump in think is winning again," Farnsworth said. "It is important to note that Youngkin is an early endorser of the former President and has not done the sort of things to make an enemy of Donald Trump that some other Republicans in Virginia have done."
Vindman wins the Democratic primary for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District
Fox 4 News; MSN.com online
2024-06-21
"An advantage in terms of endorsements from top Democrats, the funding advantage that he has in terms of ability to raise money and the fact he has a name that is well-known — that puts him in a position to be better-known than the other candidates," Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington, told NBC Washington of Vindman ahead of the primary election.
Key takeaways from the 2024 Virginia primary election results
WJLA online
2024-06-21
“The reality is that if McGuire wins, it will be Trump that made the difference,” said University of Mary Washington Political Science Professor Stephen Farnsworth. “The last hours of the campaign, you saw Trump go all in on this race, in part because for Trump, a lot of politics is personal, and when Congressman Good decided to back Ron DeSantis against Donald Trump in the Republican presidential nomination, well, Good created a target on his back as far as Donald Trump was concerned.”
Eugene Vindman projected to win Democratic nomination, Derrick Anderson to win GOP in Virginia's 7th district primary
NBC Washington online
2024-06-21
"An advantage in terms of endorsements from top Democrats, the funding advantage that he has in terms of ability to raise money and the fact he has a name that is well-known — that puts him in a position to be better-known than the other candidates," said Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington.
With so many choices in primary races, will Virginia consider ranked choice voting?
Richmond Times-Dispatch online
2024-06-18
“The 2024 primaries are about the best case you’ll ever see for ranked choice voting,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, in the heart of the 7th District. “When you have more than a half-dozen candidates in the field, you may end up seeing winners with 20 to 22% of the vote.”
5th District Republican primary draws big names and big money
Cardinal online
2024-06-18
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, said Vindman's lack of political experience is offset by his popularity nationally among activists, who have donated to his campaign in droves.
Most GOP primary candidates criticize Trump's conviction
Prince William Times online
2024-06-13
“To win a Republican primary, and to get Republican support in the general election, a candidate needs to be pro-Trump,” Farnsworth said. “In many primaries, Republicans are competing to see which candidate can express the most pro-Trump views.”
Virginia Association of Communication Arts and Sciences Fairfax, VA
2018-04-06
The New Virginia: Politics and the Economy after the 2017 Elections
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Lynchburg, VA
2017-12-14
Reviewing the 2017 Elections in Virginia
Virginia Civics Summit Chesterfield, VA
2017-11-29
The Trump Presidency, the Mass Media and Public Opinion
The Norwegian Washington Seminar Washington, DC
2017-10-28
The Identity Crises of the Democratic and Republican Parties
White House Fellows Foundation Leadership Conference Washington, DC
2017-10-27
Donald Trump and the Late-Night Political Humor of Campaign 2016: All the Donald, All the Time
American Political Science Association San Francisco, CA
2017-08-31
Virginia’s Candidate Selection Process: Examining Recent Primaries and Conventions
American Legion Boys’ State of Virginia Radford, VA
2017-06-21
President Obama’s Use of New Media: Enacting the Affordable Care Act and Defining Presidential Character
Western Political Science Association Vancouver, Canada
2017-04-04
Politics, Media and the American Political System.
Institute for International Education Visitor Leadership Program for International Journalism, U.S. Department of State Washington, DC
2017-03-02
Media Bias is a Threat to American Democracy
Podius Debates. University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA
2016-10-26
Digital Media, Public Opinion and the US Presidential Race
BI University Oslo, Norway
2016-10-12
The Presidential Candidates, the Mass Media and the Angry Voters of 2016
Mary Talks, University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA
2016-10-03
News Coverage of the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Race Versus Presidential Election News
American Political Science Association Philadelphia, PA
2016-09-21
A Comparative Analysis of the Partisan Targets of Media Fact-checking
American Political Science Association Philadelphia, PA
2016-09-14
U.S. Journalism, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Development
Institute for International Education Visitor Leadership Program for International Journalism, U.S. Department of State Washington, DC
2016-09-07
Late Night Comics Examine Campaign 2016: Donald Trump Dominates the Jokes
American Political Science Association Pre-Conference in Political Communication Philadelphia, PA
2016-08-03
Barack Obama and the Rise of the Diffident Presidential Style
Midwest Political Science Association Chicago, IL
2016-04-07
Studying the Presidency after 9/11: Re-considering Presidential Character in Domestic and International Contexts
9/11 and the Academy Conference at Emory & Henry College Emory, Va
2015-11-12
Fact-Checking the Fact-Checkers
American Political Science Association San Francisco, CA
2015-09-10
News Coverage of U.S. Presidential Campaigns: Reporting on Primaries and General Elections, 1988-2012
American Political Science Association, Washington, D.C.
2014-08-01
The Automated Coding of Sentiment in Political News Coverage: Examining Newspaper Coverage of the 2013 Race for Governor of Virginia
American Political Science Association Pre-Conference in Political Communication, Washington, D.C.
2014-08-01
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Courses
American Government:
Mass Media Politics U.S. Political Parties & Elections The American Presidency US Constitutional Reform US Politics and Film Consuming News: A User’s Guide
Articles
Donald Trump and the Late-Night Political Humor of Campaign 2016: All the Donald, All the Time.
Routledge
Stephen J. Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter, and Deanne Canieso
2018-02-14
The Presidency and Social Media: Discourse, Disruption and Digital Democracy in the 2016 Presidential Election, (Dan Schill and John Allen Hendricks, ed.) New York: Routledge, 2018: 330-45.
This One Map Shows the Republicans’ Problem in Virginia
Washington Post
Stephen J. Farnsworth and Stephen Hanna
2017-11-09
[Opinion column] “This One Map Shows the Republicans’ Problem in Virginia.” (Stephen J. Farnsworth and Stephen Hanna). Washington Post. (“The Monkey Cage” blog). November 9, 2017.
Support for Medicaid in Virginia Keeps Growing
Washington Post
Stephen Farnsworth
2017-10-08
[Opinion column] “Support for Medicaid in Virginia Keeps Growing.” Washington Post. October 8, 2017.
Party Affiliation and Political Class
Greenwood
Benjamin Hermerding and Stephen J. Farnsworth
The American Middle Class: An Economic Encyclopedia of Progress and Poverty (R.S. Rycroft, ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2017: 476-9.
Virginia’s 2013 Gubernatorial Race and Presidential Elections: A Comparison of News Coverage.
The Virginia News Letter
Stephen J. Farnsworth and S. Robert Lichter
2017-08-01
The Virginia News Letter. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. 92(3): 1-8 (August 2016).
News coverage of Trump is really, really negative. Even on Fox News
Washington Post
Stephen J. Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter, and Roland Schatz
2017-02-28
[ Opinion column] “News coverage of Trump is really, really negative. Even on Fox News.” (Stephen J. Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter, and Roland Schatz.)Washington Post. (“The Monkey Cage” blog). February 28, 2017.
Donald Trump will probably be the most ridiculed president ever
Washington Post
Stephen J. Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter, and Deanne Canieso
2017-01-21
[Opinion column] “Donald Trump will probably be the most ridiculed president ever.” Stephen J. Farnsworth, S. Robert Lichter, and Deanne Canieso.Washington Post. (“The Monkey Cage” blog). January 21, 2017.
Farnsworth Published by "The Fix" Blog, Washington Post
The Washington Post
2016-03-08
Stephen Farnsworth is co-author of an opinion column, “Late Night Tells Three Times as Many Jokes about 2016 Republicans as Democrats,” published by "The Fix" blog of the Washington Post.
“The 2015 Election in Virginia: A Tribute to Gerrymandering.”
The Washington Post
2015-11-05
A map by Stephen Hanna, professor of geography, and a column by Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, which both discussed the recent state legislative elections were published in "The Fix" blog of The Washington Post. The column was titled “The 2015 Election in Virginia: A Tribute to Gerrymandering.”
