Purdue experts on 2018 midterm election

Nadia Brown: Record numbers of women running for elected office

Nadia Brown is an associate professor of political science and African-American studies, as well as author of the book “Sisters in the Statehouse: Black Women and Legislative Decision Making.” Brown is an expert on political participation, campaigns and policymaking, especially as these topics relate to black women in politics. She will be in Atlanta, Georgia, on election night for the Stacey Abrams campaign and will be available to discuss the prominent race, among others. Related release: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2018/Q3/midterm-election-could-be-tipping-point-for-women,-minority-candidates.html.

Contact: Nadia Brown, 765-494-0460, brown957@purdue.edu 

Kathryn Cramer Brownell: The role of show business in politics

Kathryn Cramer Brownell is an associate professor of history and author of the book “Showbiz Politics: Hollywood in American Political Life.” Brownell studies the intersection of politics, the presidency and popular culture. She also can discuss media and advertising in campaigns, the place of entertainment and celebrities, and the role of the president in midterm elections.

Contact: 765-496-2478, brownell@purdue.edu

Jay McCann: Making sense of public opinion, exit polls and electoral results

Jay McCann is a professor of political science and co-author of the book “Democratizing Mexico: Public Opinion and Electoral Choices.” McCann’s current research is in the areas of public opinion, voting choices, and the politics of immigration.  He also has studied third-party politics and the politics of emerging democracies in the developing world. McCann will be conducting an exit poll on election night and will be available to discuss up-to-the-minute results.

Contact: Jay McCann, 765-494-0738, mccannj@purdue.edu

Jennifer Hoewe: How does media coverage affect voter turnout and electoral choices?

Jennifer Hoewe is a professor of political communication in the Brian Lamb School of Communication. Hoewe’s work centers on the portrayal of issues and groups in media and the resulting attitudes of voters and policy makers. She focuses specifically on coverage of immigration and terrorism. Hoewe also can discuss news coverage of issues and elections, as well as voters’ understanding of political information.

Contact: Jennifer Hoewe, 765-494-7002, jhoewe@purdue.edu 

Media contact: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu