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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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
Virginia Election: A Fight Over Abortion and the Economy
La Presse, Montreal, Canada online
2025-10-22
"There has always been a hesitancy in Virginia to put in place a structure that would allow for a concentration of power," recalls Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
Will Virginia’s race for governor be bellwether for congressional midterms?
WTOP online
2025-10-22
“When you look at the election for governor of Virginia in this year, you really recognize that, at least right now, all politics are national,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
‘It has not been civil:’ Tensions high in Fredericksburg area ahead of Election Day
Fredericksburg Free Press online
2025-10-17
“One of the key factors about the new timetable is that elections are occurring when partisan tensions are high,” said University of Mary Washington Professor Stephen Farnsworth, who specializes in political science and media affairs. “People are being primed by all these attack ads about how horrible the other side is, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that a contentious political environment affects local races as well as state.”
Virginia AG debate: Miyares and Jones clash over texts, Trump allegiance
DC News Now; Yahoo; MSN online
2025-10-17
"I do think both candidates were pretty effective in talking about the issues that they wanted to talk about. Jay Jones consistently talked about the Trump administration and tried to convince voters that they should look beyond the texting scandal. The Republicans in contrast are very much focused on the tax scandal," said Stephen Farnsworth.
Donald Trump announces second peace summit with Putin on Ukraine
CHCH online
2025-10-17
“It's clear that President Trump really does want to see some progress here,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist with the University of Mary Washington. “That he’s coming back to this issue despite not having much success with it, I think, speaks volumes to that. ”Farnsworth says Trump wants to bring peace to Ukraine, after his successful peace talks in Gaza, but the big question is what will Putin do.
Threats against School Board, Combative Signage Raise Tensions
FXBG Advance online
2025-10-16
“We live in increasingly combative times, nationally and locally,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “I think people should step back and think twice about the kind of harsh rhetoric we are seeing in a lot of places these days. We are all worse off if we can’t find a way to disagree without talking about hatred and violence.”
The two wildcards shaping the tail end of the Virginia race for governor
National Public Radio; Georgia Pacific Broadcasting; WAMU online
2025-10-16
The upheavals in government employment and contracting have created a "very, very damaging environment for Republicans" in the Virginia November election, said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. Spanberger, he noted, has led in most public polling by close to 10 points throughout the race. "A year ago, the economy was a great benefit to Republicans when they could talk about the Biden economy," Farnsworth said. "But a year later, with a Republican governor and a Republican president, the Democrats are the ones who have the advantage in the economic conversation."
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over a spending bill that would reopen the government.
The Wash online
2025-10-16
Stephen Farnsworth, political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington, said the administration’s strategy of sustaining select programs while tightening pressure on Democrats suggests the shutdown may be less a short-term funding lapse than a calculated battle over the future of federal spending and health care policy. “Democrats find it difficult to make a deal with Republicans in Congress when the president has shown little interest in following the terms of existing laws on the federal budget,” Farnsworth said.
Virginia's attorney general candidates set to debate Thursday night
WUSA 9 online
2025-10-16
"I think there will be a significant amount of voters who are Democrats who will be hesitant to sign up for his campaign. I can imagine some democrats leaving that third line blank on the ballots," said Stephen Farnsworth, political analyst at Mary Washington University.
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, told Newsweek that Greene recognizes that the Epstein scandal “is not going away,” while other Republicans would “prefer not to recognize” that.
Government shutdown, text message scandal could reshape Virginia’s gubernatorial race :
WDC News 6 online
2025-10-14
STEPHEN FARNSWORTH: When you add up all those people who have directly or indirectly some downstream effect of federal employment, it is a very, very damaging environment for Republicans.
"Well, this is an extraordinary moment no matter what the circumstances of how we got to this point. This has been a horrific situation for all concerns going back two years, and for there to be a cease fire that has even held this long, and all indications are that it is going to hold a while longer, that is an extraordinary accomplishment for the president," said Stephen Farnsworth.
Shutdown Blame Game Seeps Into New Jersey, Virginia Elections
Bloomburg Government online
2025-10-10
“The federal shutdown in Washington is a key part of campaign messaging for Democratic candidates across Virginia,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va.
RECAP: Virginia governor nominees face-off in only debate before election day
WJLA online
2025-10-10
Following the 7 p.m. debate, 7News' Scott Thuman sat down with Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Mary Washington, to analyze the controlled yet chaotic event.
Government shutdown, text message scandal could reshape Virginia's gubernatorial race
NPR online
2025-10-10
When you add up all those people who have directly or indirectly some downstream effect of federal employment, it is a very, very damaging environment for Republicans.
"I can imagine that the Republicans will want to talk about this at every opportunity. This in may ways is the best issue that Republicans have had in months in this campaign." said Stephen Farnsworth in response to a question about the impact of the text messaging scandal involving candidate, Jay Jones.
They Were Rising Democratic Stars. Then Came the Leaks.
Newsweek online
2025-10-10
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, told Newsweek that the fallout will likely have long-term consequences. “I expect that some Democrats will leave the AG line blank, which reduces the chances that Jones will win,” he said. “Even if he does win this time, Virginia Democrats are unlikely to forget his reckless behavior.”
Trump joins other Republicans in calling for Jay Jones to exit Virginia race
The Washington Post online
2025-10-06
“There’s simply no way to sugarcoat the candidate’s remarks. They were horrible. And the voters will determine whether they were unforgivable,” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said Sunday. He noted that “the two other Democrats on the statewide ticket have both condemned these remarks, as they should.”
Government Shutdown Mass Layoff Fears Virginia Governor Race
MSN, Washington Examiner, USSA News online
2025-09-30
“People are already anxious about the economic situation. The shutdown makes it much worse,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.
Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to Challenge Mark Warner
WRIC online
2025-09-30
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News.
Sen. Bryce Reeves jumps into U.S. Senate race against Warner
Richmond Times-Dispatch) online
2025-09-25
“There may be more Republicans getting into the race, which is still unclear a year out,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Republican State Senator Bryce Reeves to challenge Mark Warner for U.S. Senate seat
WRIC; WAVY; MSN; The Free Lance-Star online
2025-09-25
“If you look at his previous congressional campaigns, he offers up a Republican message that is very focused on the issues of law and order,” Professor Stephen Farnsworth, Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, told 8News.
‘Nation looks to the Virginia governor's contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19
Henrico Citizen online
2025-09-19
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor's contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated.
ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Show Over Charlie Kirk Remarks
CNN online
2025-09-18
"This is a very difficult environment for mass media in America. The situation with the New York Times and other media outlets that have been sued by the president has created a great deal of pressure. When you're talking about television, as we've just been discussing, there is a significant problem with respect to keeping in the good graces of the Trump administration," said Stephen Farnsworth.
"Well, it's clear that the best way to get through to Trump is to have this kind of pageantry and flattery and really make him feel special," said Stephen Farnsworth.
Virginia’s early voting season begins Friday, ushering in pivotal election
Virginia Mercury; Yahoo News online
2025-09-18
“The one thing we know above all about early voting is that it’s very popular. A lot of people would prefer to vote ahead of time, particularly if they don’t have to provide an excuse,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
Nation looks to the Virginia governor's contest’ as early voting opens Sept. 19
Smith Mountain Eagle; Williamsburg Yorktown Daily online
2025-09-18
Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth stated in an email that many national policies “significantly” impact the Virginia economy, such as with the cutbacks of federal workers. “The nation looks to the Virginia governor's contest as a leading political indicator of the upcoming midterm elections,” Farnsworth stated.
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.”
