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Patrick Flavin, Ph.D. - Baylor University . Waco, TX, US

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D.

Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science | Baylor University

Waco, TX, UNITED STATES

Dr. Flavin focuses on political inequality, the impact of politics and public policies on citizens’ quality of life, and state politics.

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Biography

Dr. Flavin’s research and teaching interests include political inequality, the impact of politics and public policies on citizens’ quality of life, U.S. state politics, political behavior, and research methods. His research has been published in the American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics, British Journal of Political Science, Political Research Quarterly, American Politics Research, State Politics & Policy Quarterly, Electoral Studies, and other journals.

Areas of Expertise (10)

Politics

Inequality

State Politics

Teachers' Unions and Politics

Quality of Life

Political Behavior

Public Opinion

Polling

Elections

Public Policy

Education (3)

University of Notre Dame: Ph.D.

University of Notre Dame: M.A.

University of St. Thomas: B.A.

Media Appearances (43)

Trump Doubles Down on Explosive, Insult-laden Rhetoric During Rally in Waco

Reporting Texas  online

2023-03-26

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted regarding former President Trump’s recent political rally in Waco.

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Hundreds gather for Donald Trump rally at Waco airport

Scripps News  online

2023-03-25

VIDEO: Baylor political scientist Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., was interviewed for this story about Donald Trump’s rally in Waco, expecting it to be “grievance politics and red meat issues to excite the base. He’s not coming in Waco to convince anyone who’s on the fence about him.”

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Trump uses arrest threat to reclaim his spot as the front-runner in Texas

Houston Chronicle  online

2023-03-25

Baylor political scientist Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., is quoted in this article about why former president Donald Trump held his first rally of his reelection campaign in Waco in Central Texas.

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Plans in place, bills paid for Trump rally in Waco

Waco Tribune-Herald  online

2023-03-24

Pat Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, was interviewed for this article on an upcoming Trump political rally in Waco and why the Branch Davidian scenario might appeal to the former president.

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Mixed reaction as former President Trump plans first 2024 campaign stop in Waco

KXXV-TV (ABC/Waco)  online

2023-03-22

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted regarding the recently political rally in Waco.

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Baylor political expert says Trump will most likely be indicted

KWKT-TV (FOX/Waco)  online

2023-03-21

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted regarding possible charges against former president Donald Trump.

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Why Central Texas? | Donald Trump to hold first 2024 presidential campaign rally in Waco

KCEN-TV (NBC/Waco)  online

2023-03-20

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted regarding an upcoming political rally in Waco and why it was chosen.

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Power struggles between state and local officials escalate in Texas — and across the nation

KERA-FM  online

2023-02-21

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted in this article about how a case dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic about who has the power to require masks may determine to what extent conservative officials across Texas can dictate the health, environmental and law enforcement policies for cities, counties and school districts.

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UH adopts new tenure policy as Texas Legislature braces for fight led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Houston Chronicle  online

2023-02-02

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted in this article about a Texas legislative session expected to include a push by the lieutenant governor to end tenure status for new hires at all Texas public universities.

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Texas lawmakers to revisit redistricting, but experts predict no significant changes

CNHI News  

2023-01-19

The Texas Senate will take up redistricting once again next week, but experts said they believe it will result in no change. The Senate will hold four days of public testimony on the 2021 lines, but Pat Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, said he does not expect “any substantive changes to come out of those.”

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The 88th Texas Legislative session begins with a $33-billion surplus

KCEN-TV  online

2023-01-10

VIDEO: As Texas lawmakers returned to work for the 88th Legislative session, Baylor political science professor Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., expects great division on major topics such as gun and border patrol.

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What a local expert is expecting from the 88th Texas legislative session

KCEN-TV  online

2023-01-10

VIDEO: As Texas lawmakers face a wide variety of issues from gun control to ERCOT regulations to LGBTQ+ rights, Baylor political science professor Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., said while those topics are important, the first discussion will be about how Texas officials plan to use the state’s $33 billion surplus.

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Congressman Pete Sessions weighs in on House of Representatives Speaker stalemate

KCEN-TV  online

2023-01-04

VIDEO: Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, was interviewed for this story about the stalemate over the selection of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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9.6 million Texas registered voters did not cast ballots. Here's how many Central Texans did.

KCEN-TV  online

2022-11-09

VIDEO: Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, was interviewed for this story about the lack of registered voters casting their ballots in the 2022 election.

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How redistricting could shape Texas elections this year

KXXV-TV  online

2022-11-07

VIDEO: Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, was interviewed for this Election Day story about newly redrawn districts for state and national races, a process that typically makes races less competitive across the board.

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College voters held back by Texas election law, lack of on-campus polling sites

Texas Tribune  online

2022-10-28

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted in this article about the lack of on-campus voting sites in Texas coming after a surge in young-voter turnout in recent years — though it still lags participation rates of other age groups.

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Texas A&M’s early-voting location was popular during general elections before it was moved off campus

The Texas Tribune  online

2022-10-04

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science at Baylor, is quoted in this article about an early voting site on the Texas A&M campus that was removed an early-voting location.

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Trump Couldn’t Have Done What He Did Without States Leading the Way

The New York Times  online

2022-09-07

This essay about consequences of partisan control of state governments cites a paper by authors Gregory Shufeldt of the University of Indianapolis and Baylor political scientist Patrick Flavin, who contend the single most important factor in voters’ perception of the level of democracy in their state is whether or not their own party is in control.

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Waco police to seek violence interrupters

Waco Tribune-Herald  online

2022-06-10

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science, provides perspective on “violence interrupters,” who would aim to intervene before violent situations arise. The Waco Police Department will coordinate with organizations to seek out “violence interrupters” among the community, aiming to prevent situations from escalating to violence.

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Property taxes could decrease if amendments pass

KWTX-TV  online

2022-04-26

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was interviewed about two proposed state constitutional amendments, one that would decrease property taxes for elderly and disabled Texans while the other would increase the homestead exemption.

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Bush Family Legacy Is at Stake in Texas Attorney General Race

Bloomberg  online

2022-03-03

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science, was interviewed for this article about the Bush family’s Texas dynasty.

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Beto O'Rourke promises marijuana legalization after winning governor nomination

KCEN-TV  online

2022-03-02

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was interviewed regarding the potential of marijuana decriminalization and its impact as an election issue.

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Texas Primary Sets Stage for Abbott-O’Rourke Race, AG Runoffs

The Well News  online

2022-03-02

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was quoted in this article about high-profile races in the Texas primaries.

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Early voting for primary election ends, election day Tuesday

KXXV-TV  online

2022-02-28

VIDEO: Political science professor Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., was interviewed regarding the first Election Day of 2022.

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Experts say less than 20 percent of voters turn out for Texas Primary Elections

KXXV-TV  online

2022-02-21

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., The Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science, explains how elections with lower voter turnout impact candidates.

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Texas Early Voting Starts Today

KXXV-TV  online

2022-02-14

VIDEO: Political science professor Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., provides insight about the Texas primaries and what they mean for the November elections. Flavin also was interviewed about early voting on KCEN-TV and FOX44.

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Killeen City Council proposes pay raises for its members

KXXV-TV  online

2022-01-13

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., Bob Bullock Professor of Political Science, is interviewed for this story on a potential pay raise for Killeen’s City Council.

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Voters registration deadline for November election is next week

KXXV-TV  online

2021-09-28

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, is quoted in this article on the upcoming election that involves voting on constitutional amendments.

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Texas lawmakers to redraw district maps based on latest Census data

KXXV-TV  online

2021-09-21

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, is quoted in this article regarding a proposed redistricting map for Bell County.

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Supporters push to get #IAmVanessaGuillenAct passed with NDAA

KXXV-TV  online

2021-09-17

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, is quoted in this article addressing support of the #IAmVanessaGuillenAct.

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Local experts weigh in on Texas Democrats leaving for D.C.

KXXV-TV  online

2021-07-13

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Baylor, is quoted in this story about Texas Democratic lawmakers walking out on a controversial voting bill.

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Special session begins tomorrow, election integrity bill in the spotlight

KXXV-TV  online

2021-07-07

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Baylor, is interviewed about the issues facing the Texas Legislature as it begins a Special Session.

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2020 presidential election is far from the first contested election in U.S. history

KXXV-TV  online

2021-01-16

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, discusses how the pandemic, a crippling economy and social unrest set the stage for what he views as the most divisive election in American history.

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Local political experts expect more frequent impeachments in the future

KWKT-TV  tv

2021-01-13

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, discusses the differences between and impact of former President Trump’s two impeachments.

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Local representatives react to Capitol Hill riots

KWKT-TV  tv

2021-01-06

VIDEO: Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, is interviewed for this story about reaction to the Capitol Hill riots.

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Latinos expected to be the nation's largest ethnic minority to vote in Presidential Election

ABC 25 Central Texas  online

2020-10-13

For the first time, a record 32 million Latinos are projected to be eligible to vote in the 2020 United States Presidential Election. Baylor political science professor Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., is quoted in this article on the historic voter turnout of Hispanic Americans and the outlook on voting in the Hispanic community.

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Can a Progressive Win in a Republican Texas District?

The American Prospect  online

2020-09-03

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., professor of political science, is quoted in this article about Democrat Julie Oliver and her campaign in Texas’s 25th Congressional District which primarily leans Republican.

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Baylor University associate professor talks about Biden's speech, previews RNC

Fox 7 Austin  tv

2020-08-21

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, shares his insight on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's acceptance and what to expect from the Republican National Convention.

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Baylor political science professor says impeachment proceedings before an election year is 'unprecedented'

KXXV-TV (Waco, Killeen, Temple/ABC)  tv

2019-11-13

VIDEO: Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, discusses the effects an impeachment inquiry may have on presidential approval ratings and the division between political parties.

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Local GOP taking note of higher Democratic vote tally

Waco Tribune-Herald  print

2018-11-07

Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, is quoted in this article about competitive local races in McLennan County.

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Baylor professor speaks on election results

KWKT-TV (Waco, Temple, Killeen/FOX)  tv

2018-11-06

VIDEO: Patrick J. Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, served as guest elections analyst Tuesday on FOX44 in Waco, providing insight into results from local and state elections.

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Citizens react to executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of non U.S. citizens

KXXV-TV (Waco, Temple, Killeen/ABC)  tv

2018-10-30

VIDEO: Pat Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, was interviewed for this story addressing how a presidential executive order could unilaterally change the doctrine of birthright citizenship. Flavin’s research and teaching interests include political inequality, the impact of politics and public policies on citizens’ quality of life, U.S. state politics and political behavior

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Flores supports school violence prevention measures, bolstered background checks

Waco Tribune-Herald  print

2018-03-18

Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., associate professor of political science in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, is quoted in this article about legislative responses following a mass school shooting in Florida. Flavin said he does not see a likely path to an outright ban of military-style weapons in the United States, although a vocal 20 to 30 percent of people, along with constitutional challenges, would hold it up. “Intense interest of a minority can often win out over the displaced or dispersed interest of a majority,” Flavin said.

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Articles (3)

Income Inequality and Policy Representation in the American States

American Politics Research

2011 Government representation of public opinion is a central component of democracy. Previous studies have documented a robust congruence between aggregated public opinion and public policies in the American states. However, an equally important question for evaluating the quality of democracy is “Who does government respond to when formulating public policies?”...

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Life Satisfaction and Political Participation: Evidence from the United States

Journal of Happiness Studies

2011 Are people who are more satisfied with their lives more likely to participate in politics? Although the literature on political participation in the United States is one of the most theoretically and methodologically developed in political science, little research has sought to incorporate subjective life satisfaction into models of political participation. Instead, life satisfaction has been studied nearly exclusively as a dependent variable...

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Racial Differences in Information, Expectations, and Accountability

The Journal of Politics

2007 Citizens contribute to the process of democratic accountability by acquiring information about their elected officials' behavior, comparing this information to their expectations regarding substantive representation, and voting in elections based on the result of this comparison. However, citizens possess varying levels of information about, and different expectations of, Representatives' voting behavior. This raises the possibility that some citizens are more likely to hold their Members of Congress (MCs) accountable than others...

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