Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture in Washington, “Previewing the 2022 Midterm Elections,” to visiting Australian government and party officials participating in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Dr. Farnsworth has previously lectured on U.S. politics for IVLP delegations visiting Washington from Zambia, Yemen, and Taiwan.
Farnsworth also has appeared in several recent media mentions, including:
NotedDC — White House is Biden’s to lose in 2024, analyst says (The Hill; Yahoo News; EOnline)
Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said, “If you look back to the days when Senator John Warner was active in Virginia politics, for example, you really did see a real concern about conservative Republicans undermining the state of the party as well as not being the best choice for the country.”
Early voting ends Saturday, polls open Tuesday at 6 a.m. (The Free Lance-Star)
“I think that over the last 20 years, politics in America and in Virginia has become much more of a blood sport,” said Steven Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
Election 2022: Spanberger and Vega face off in 7th District (InsideNOVA)
The Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington conducted a poll of 1,000 Virginians about the top issues on their mind heading into the midterm election.
VIDEO: Will the American midterm elections reflect a divided nation? (Australian News)
“It’s important to remember that a lot of what we see with individuals around the country, whether it is the attack on the Pelosi family or the January 6th attack on the US Capitol, comes from a lot of people who are denying the truth. Donald Trump did not win the election and for those people who argued that he did they are getting more and more agitated,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Transgender student rights indirectly on ballot in Loudoun (The Wash)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said the focus on local school issues is a smart campaign choice for Republicans. “The conversation about issues of trans students is a great way to create energy among Republican voters. If you can get people motivated, that can be a very effective means of making sure that they actually turn out,” said Farnsworth.
Opinion: In metro Richmond, the silence is deafening (Richmond Times-Dispatch; emmittunlimited.com)
Decades of political gerrymandering and the country’s growing partisan divide have increasingly led people to pack their bags for communities of the like-minded, explains Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
Control of Congress (WTOP)
“For the voters in the 7th district, a lot of these people have not had a competitive house district election in decades so they have to get use to the idea that their vote may actually matter this time,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Ben Cline wins 6th District for third time (Cardinal News)
“Success in politics is often about geography, and the 6th District as redrawn for this election cycle gives the Republican nominee an immense home court advantage,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Cline needed to stay out of trouble to be reelected – mission accomplished.”
Morgan Griffith wins the 9th District for the sixth time (Cardinal News)
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that the 9th District has become increasingly Republican in recent years due to redistricting and socio-economic changes, making it increasingly difficult for a Democratic challenger to be successful.
Virginia Election 2022: High-profile House races hit the screens (News Live Washington)
Still, Kiegens “hasn’t gone all-in on some of Donald Trump’s agenda, and that gives her a little more credibility with people who aren’t reflexive Republicans,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington .
2022 Virginia election: High-profile House races head to the wire (DC Election News)
That said, Kiggans was “not all-in on some of the Donald Trump agenda items, and that gives her a bit more credibility with people who are not reflexively Republican,” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor with the University of Mary Washington, told WTOP’s Nick Iannelli earlier this month.
American professor believes Biden can emerge stronger from the election even with a loss – Dagsavisen (blogjaun.com)
Even before anything is decided in the election, Professor Stephen J. Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington believes that it will not be a landslide victory for the Republicans, as both polls and history might suggest.
Counting underway in the US (Dagsavisen)
When it was close to 6 this morning Norwegian time, there was still no clear picture of the composition of the Congress. But Professor Stephen J. Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington believes that there is no imminent victory for the Republicans, as both polls and history might suggest.
DeSantis owns a barn in Florida: – On a collision course with Trump (tv2)
University of Mary Washington professor Stephen J. Farnsworth believes DeSantis has strengthened his candidacy against Trump. Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump seem to be on a collision course, says Farnsworth to NTB.
Dr. Stephen Farnsworth: Jen Kiggans, Abigail Spanberger, and Virginia’s Midterm Results (POD Virginia)
Listen to this episode from Pod Virginia on Spotify. On this episode, Thomas and Michael are joined by Dr. Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington to discuss the Virginia races in the 2022 midterms–including takeaways for Republicans and Democrats, as well as the landscape moving
Here’s what Democrats can learn from the Abigail Spanberger, Yesli Vega race (WUSA 9)
“The Vega campaign started off on the wrong foot because of issues relating to abortion,” Dr. Stephen Farnsworth of University of Mary Washington explained. “The Spanberger campaign took advantage of that rookie mistake and went after her with advertisement after advertisement throughout the fall.”
Youngkin likely spent political capital with campaigning, analysts say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Some of that capital could come from his own GOP, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Virginia Republicans have to ask themselves: ‘What if the governor spent less time out of state and more time in the state?’” Farnsworth said. “More time in-state could have affected the 7th, less time in South Dakota would not affect that result.”
Analyzing Virginia’s Congressional election results (DC News Now; Buck Hall News; emmittunlimited.com)
It seems her message resonated with voters, as did her attack ads said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “The campaign ads in this district, over and over again, Spanberger just pummeled Vega on this comment about abortion, and that really resonated in suburban Northern Virginia,” Farnsworth said.
What Democrats & Republicans are saying about the results of 3 key Va. congressional races (WJLA; MSN)
“The three competitive congressional races in Virginia more or less unfolded as people expected,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “The two Northern Virginia districts were more democratic in their design than the 2nd District in Hampton Roads, and the Republicans picked up one. It wasn’t a red wave, not in Virginia, not nationally. But even an incremental change in a 50/50 country can split the balance of power in the house.”
U.S. Midterm Elections (CTV News)
“There are two I would pick. In the Senate, I really think that the New Hampshire race is the key to watch. I think that is going to give an early indication in the eastern time zone about whether or not there is going to be a red wave tonight. When you are looking at the House, it is actually a surburban district here in the Washington area in Northern Virginia’s 7th district which puts Abigale Spanberger in a very different district than she had previously represented,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
‘A good night for incumbents’ in Virginia midterm elections (patch.com)
“It seems to me overall in Virginia and around the country, this was a good night for incumbents from both parties,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor.
2022 Political Roundtable: Red wave? Maybe a puddle (Virginia Business)
Panelists who took part in the 16th annual Virginia Business Political Roundtable at the Richmond Marriott included: James W. “Jim” Dyke Jr., senior state government relations advisor with McGuireWoods Consulting; University of Mary Washington Professor Stephen Farnsworth; Gentry Locke Attorneys partner and Republican former state Del. Gregory Habeeb; Regent University Assistant Professor Andrew J. “A.J.” Nolte; and Wintersieck.
Virginia Republicans debate direction after Lt. Gov. Sears criticizes Trump (DC News Now)
In an interview with DC News Now on Wednesday — before Sears made her comments — University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Dr. Stephen Farnsworth discussed Trump’s role in Virginia politics. “I think that Donald Trump’s impact in a nomination stage for Republicans is still pretty powerful,” Farnsworth said. “But it comes with a backlash in the general election. The more closely you were joined to the hip with Donald Trump as a candidate, the more problematic it was going to be for you if you are then trying to run in a general election in a place that’s competitive.”
What Democrats & Republicans are saying about the results of 3 key Va. congressional races (WSET)
“The three competitive congressional races in Virginia more or less unfolded as people expected,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
‘A Good Night for Incumbents’ in Virginia Midterm Elections (Bristow Beat)
“It seems to me overall in Virginia and around the country, this was a good night for incumbents from both parties,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor.
Midterms expose possible cracks in the Trump foundation (KATV; WGME)
“I do think that the former president saddled the Republican party with some real liabilities in terms of the candidates,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at University of Mary Washington.
The midterms did not show a ‘red wave.’ That’s thanks to Gen Z voters, experts say (Courthouse News Service)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director at the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, said he thinks Republicans’ focus on economic insecurity may not have overcome Democrats’ concern over the Roe v. Wade overturn and threats to democracy.
LISTEN: Election overview with UMW political analyst Dr. Stephen Farnsworth (Fredericksburg Today; WFVA)
“I think when you look at Stafford County you really see a dynamic not unlike what has happened in Prince William and Loudoun,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Youngkin likely spent political capital with campaigning, analysts say (The News Virginian)
Some of that capital could come from his own GOP, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Virginia Republicans have to ask themselves: ‘What if the governor spent less time out of state and more time in the state?’” Farnsworth said. “More time in-state could have affected the 7th, less time in South Dakota would not affect that result.”
The Fighting Joe Morrissey Show (Facebook)
“I really think Trump is the real reason why things didn’t work out for the Republicans in this cycle,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Dr. Farnsworth’s segment begins at the 32-minute mark.
Virginia education department proposes major changes to social studies standards (The Washington Post)
“This effort to revive social studies content is the latest in a series of efforts by the governor to shape education along the lines of his preferences,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “The governor may be walking into a fight with educators, but that can’t possibly be a surprise to him at this point.”
Midterm Election Results (CTV News)
“We will probably have a better answer by tomorrow morning. There are a significant number of votes somewhere in the range of 22,000 plus in Nevada that still need to be counted, and that is a very close race. That may create the 50th Democratic seat for the Democrat incumbent there, and the votes that have not been counted are from the Las Vegas area which is one of the more Democratic areas of the state, ” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Is the 2nd District election a harbinger for 2024? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“The big thing that matters now is negative partisanship, people hating the other side more than they feel positive about their own,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
Midterms reveal Trump may not do as well as he expected in his political future (fingerlakes1.com)
“I do think that the former president saddled the Republican party with some real liabilities in terms of the candidates,” Stephen Farnsworth said. “If you think about Dr. Oz in Pennsylvania, you think about Herschel Walker in Georgia, these are candidates who really struggled to compete in what should have been a pretty favorable environment, given the unpopularity of President Biden.”
‘A Good Night for Incumbents’ in Virginia Midterm Elections (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily)
“It seems to me overall in Virginia and around the country, this was a good night for incumbents from both parties,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor.
Town Talk: UMW’s Stephen Farnsworth (WFVA News Talk; B101.5)
“I really think the Republicans lost the way from what should have been a normal year for Congressional mid-term elections,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Former President Trump and the White House (WFVA News Talk)
“If you look at the poles, it is pretty clear that the party should move beyond Trump now,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
see attached MP3
Trump Biden Rematch (WFVA News Talk)
“I think there is a potential for a Trump Biden rematch. A lot of Republicans still think positively about Trump,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Virginia Republicans grapple with what to do about Trump (Cardinal News)
“If you look at the midterm election, Donald Trump is very effective in helping his allies get party nominations; but Trump also creates a backlash in a general election where nominees backed by Trump face liabilities in competitive districts,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
‘A good night for incumbents’ in Virginia midterm elections (Brunswick Times-Gazette)
“It seems to me overall in Virginia and around the country, this was a good night for incumbents from both parties,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor.
Former President Expected to Run in 2024 (CTV News)
“There certainly is some conversation among the Republicans that it might be more useful if the former president waited a little while longer, maybe until after the runoff in Georgia, but I don’t know if Donald Trump is going to listen to advice all that much,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
‘Humility and empathy’ sustain Spanberger as she looks to third term (patch.com)
Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor, said it is tough to beat an incumbent, especially during congressional elections. All Virginia congressional incumbents won except for District 2.
“Incumbents have more name recognition, greater ability to raise money and it creates a very difficult environment for a challenger in the 7th District,” Farnsworth said.
LISTEN: Town Talk/UMW’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth (Fredericksburg Today)
“I really think the Republicans lost the way from what should have been a normal year for Congressional mid-term elections,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Could Face Stiff Challenge from DeSantis (CTV News)
“It’s clear that the former president wants to change the subject. The mid-term elections were not very good for the Republicans here in the United States,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
After Spanberger win, Virginia ‘may be on the list of purple states in 2024’ (Manassas News Station; Potomac Local)
Stephen Farnsworth, director of the University of Mary Washington Center for Leadership and Media Studies and a political science professor, said it is tough to beat an incumbent, especially during congressional elections. All Virginia congressional incumbents won except for District 2.
