Election Watch 2025: Farnsworth Breaks Down Virginia’s Political Landscape
With early voting setting new records and national politics reshaping local elections, Professor Stephen Farnsworth is helping journalists and voters make sense of the noise.
As director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, Farnsworth continues to be a go-to expert across major outlets. In just the past few weeks, he’s been featured in:
NBC Washington WAMU Yahoo News Richmond Times-Dispatch DC News Now Virginia Mercury Farnsworth has weighed in on everything from Kamala Harris’ rising prospects to the effects of Trump’s policies on rural Virginia. Whether he’s speaking to the League of Women Voters or breaking down the numbers for DC news outlets, Farnsworth brings clarity to the chaos.
For journalists covering Virginia politics and U.S. elections, Farnsworth is a key source of insight.
Click on the icon below to connect with: Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs; Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies Expertise: Virginia politics, media and messaging, U.S. elections, disinformation.
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1 min
From Johnny Carson to Campaign Debates – Farnsworth Brings Politics to the Public
Professor Stephen Farnsworth isn’t just analyzing politics, he’s shaping the conversation. Whether moderating congressional debates or exploring the political power of humor, he brings sharp insight and historical context to national audiences.
As a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, Farnsworth recently moderated two high-profile congressional debates in Virginia’s 7th and 10th districts — both aired on C-SPAN (2024 7th District Debate; 2022 10th District Forum).
He’s also delivered public lectures for UMW’s Great Lives series, using figures like Johnny Carson and Charlie Chaplin to trace the role of humor in shaping American political identity. Watch the full talks: Johnny Carson and Political Humor, and Charlie Chaplin. These public-facing programs reflect his broader mission: helping voters, students, and media audiences understand how politics works — and why it matters.
Click the icon below to connect with: Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs; Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
Expertise: Political communication, presidential humor, Virginia elections, public engagement.
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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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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 nine books on U.S. politics, with a particular focus on presidential communication. His recent works include "Presidential Communication and Character: White House News Management from Clinton and Cable to Twitter and Trump," which examines how the last four U.S. presidents sell themselves and their policies in an ever-expanding and sometimes precarious media environment, and "Late Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency," which considers the treatment of presidents on late-night comedy programs over the past several decades.
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 three decades and the recipient of three Fulbright awards, 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
American Elections
American Government
The American Presidency
Internet Politics
Mass Media and Politics
Virginia Government and Politics
Journalism
Accomplishments
J. William Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Humanities and Social Sciences
2024-01-01
American Studies Center, University of Warsaw, Poland
Best Conference Paper Award in Political Communication
2023-04-01
Eastern Communication Association, Baltimore, Maryland
J. William Fulbright Faculty Specialist
2019-07-01
Methodist College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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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Media Appearances
What to watch as Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly returns to Richmond
FXBG Advance; Williamsburg Yorktown Daily; Northern Virginia Daily) online
2026-01-14
“This is not a normal opening act for a legislative session,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Spanberger is setting the stage for an aggressive year one.”
Philip See sits down with Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Mary Washington to talk about the state of US foreign relations in the wake of the attack on Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro, especially how the White House is viewing its alliances and rivalries.
Abortion, redistricting, data centers: What Va. lawmakers will prioritize during 2026 GA session
WTOP online
2026-01-14
The focus, according to University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth, could be on making it easier to buy a house and increasing the minimum wage. “There are key issues with respect to what the legislature can do, though, because of the financial challenges Virginia faces,” Farnsworth told WTOP.
Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said Democrats are “very likely to take over the House,” citing strong candidate recruitment and Republican retirements. Farnsworth added that while Republicans may gain advantages through redistricting in some states, Democrats have countered those efforts in blue states, limiting the overall effect.
What to watch as Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly returns to Richmond
Virginia Mercury; Yahoo News online
2026-01-12
“This is not a normal opening act for a legislative session,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Spanberger is setting the stage for an aggressive year one.”
"It doesn't seem that the Trump administration is looking at these protests as anything other than a reason to increase the efforts that ICE and other federal agencies are engaged in," said Stephen Farnsworth.
According to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, the Senate “seems more likely to remain in Republican hands than not.”
Who has Virginia’s Governor-elect appointed to her cabinet?
WTOP online
2026-01-08
“You do see a range of representation across the geographical and political diversity of Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “You see a vision that is consistent with the centrist messaging of the campaign.”
Youngkin’s term as governor marked by economic wins, political division
Virginia Business online
2026-01-05
“Youngkin did what he had to do to win the governor’s election four years ago: Be somewhat … not critical of Trump, but also not full MAGA,” says Stephen Farnsworth, director for the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “As a candidate, he successfully threaded that needle. As governor, Youngkin became much more conservative than his campaign narrative would have suggested.”
New photos released from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Bannon, Bill Clinton and other high-profile people (
CTV News online
2025-12-15
Political analyst Stephen Farnsworth says the photos show ‘further evidence’ that Trump and Epstein were friends, but do not guarantee acceleration of the case.
The University of Mary Washington’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth joins us to break down the latest developments in Virginia politics, including the ongoing redistricting debate and what it could mean for future elections. We also examine Governor Youngkin’s political legacy and the challenges and opportunities facing Governor-elect Spanberger as she prepares to take office and more.
This socialist party is leading the fight against data centers in Prince George’s County
WAMU online
2025-12-03
Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, says few Democrats or Republicans have taken a definitive stance on data centers in the region, leaving the issue up for grabs. “Some Democrats and some Republicans are motivated by the economic development opportunities or the need for greater national security capacity,” Farnsworth explains. “On the other hand, there are also a lot of concerns in terms of the electricity that’s going to be required to run these centers.”
Political Analyst: Environment good for Dems as Warner announces reelection campaign
WRIC online
2025-12-03
“This environment is going to be a favorable one for Democrats, all indications are, and Mark Warner is one of the people who’s going to benefit, given the timing of when his term is up for reelection,” said Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
Field of candidates growing in DC mayoral race (WJLA) Steve Farnsworth, PhD, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, describes Bowser's agenda as "full" throughout her time in office.
“There's an old saying that money talks–the big contributions that are possible in Virginia means that money shouts,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor at Mary Washington University.
Virginia youth vote helped spark largest Democratic win since 1961
The Commonwealth Times online
2025-11-19
Stephen Farnsworth, director of the center for leadership and media studies at the University of Mary Washington, said it can be a challenge for candidates to connect with young people as the world changes rapidly. He said Spanberger was effective in connecting with younger voters by speaking about economic anxiety.
Several Virginia Election Day outcomes smashed polling, pundit predictions
The Virginian-Pilot; Daily Press online
2025-11-17
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director for the Center of Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, explained surveys as snapshots in time rather than crystal balls.
Why Virginia senators Kaine and Warner were split on vote to end shutdown
The Washington Post online
2025-11-13
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, pointed out that the other seven senators who signed on to the deal with the GOP have either announced they won’t be seeking reelection or, like Kaine, will not face voters in next year’s elections. “Elected officials who are further from their next election are less concerned by political considerations and more focused on what they see as the best policies,” Farnsworth said.
Kaine breaks with Democrats to back deal ending shutdown, securing protections for federal workers
Yahoo; Fredericksburg Free Press; Virginia Mercury; Fauquier Now) online
2025-11-12
Political scientist Stephen J. Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said Kaine’s calculation reflects the kind of decision lawmakers make when they’re freed from the immediate pressures of reelection. “The farther an elected official is from their next election, the more likely they are to make the decision about how to proceed based on sound public policy evaluation,” he said, noting that Kaine’s next reelection campaign is five years off.
ELECTION 2025: Democrats dramatically expand control over General Assembly (The Commonwealth Times)
The Commonwealth Times online
2025-11-10
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, pointed to four amendments midway through the legislative process, which he said may not have gone anywhere in the new session should the House be controlled by Republicans. “This would be removing the ban on gay marriage from the Constitution of Virginia, the automatic restoration of felon voting rights, the codification of Roe v. Wade in the Virginia Constitution, and the new redistricting amendment,” Farnsworth said.
Democrat Jay Jones Wins Despite Texts Fantasizing About Killing Opponent
Newsweek; MSN online
2025-11-06
“In these partisan times, many people are willing to forgive a great deal from politicians on the Democrats sweep major Virginia races, widen margin in House of Delegates ir team and forgive nothing from people on the other team,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
As Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington told local news station WTOP, “You want the bragging rights of having a good year in Virginia in year one of a presidential term, to give you a sense of inevitability of gains during year two — the midterm congressional elections.”
"All indications are that they are indeed engaged," said Stephen Farnsworth. We are looking at relatively high turnout in the early voting compared to previous election cycles.
Political Narratives, Disinformation and the 2025 and 2026 Elections
Virginia League of Women Voters Annual Conference Fredericksburg, Virginia
2025-06-01
Patterns of Political Ridicule in the United States
George Mason University Character Assassination Conference Arlington, Virginia
2025-03-01
The Consequences of the 2024 Presidential Election (so far)
American Association of University Women Fredericksburg, Virginia
2025-03-01
The Second Trump Presidency: Policy Implications from His First Week Back in Office
Maria Curie Sklodowska University (online) Lublin, Poland
2025-01-01
The Trump Presidential Ttansition: What is New and What is Not
University of Warsaw (online) Warsaw, Poland
2024-12-01
Analyzing the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Results
American Studies Program (online) Nicosia, Cyprus
2024-11-01
Ridicule in Late-Night Political Humor in the United States: Contours and Consequences
Northeastern Political Science Association Boston, Massachusetts
2024-11-01
Battling Disinformation with Political Humor, Keynote Speech
Navigating the Digital World of Tomorrow Conference, Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission Warsaw, Poland
2024-04-01
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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.”
