CORWIN D. SMIDT

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University, where I have also previously served as Interim Department Chair and Interim Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). My research focuses on forces of change in American party and electoral politics, especially in terms of voting, elections, and presidential nominations. Lately, that means understanding why Americans say they want more change in party politics despite rarely changing who they vote for themselves. 

My research has appeared in leading journals, such as the American Journal of Political Science, the Journal of Politics, and Political Analysis; and it has won awards from the American Political Science Association and the Western Political Science Association. 

I am also dedicated to using data-driven insights to make elections—particularly in my home state of Michigan—more reputable, accessible, and respected among all parties.  

In the classroom, I am passionate about equipping students with factual and critical evidence that prepares them to seek out rewarding and meaningful engagement in civic society.