Ryan Mundy

Hello! I am a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. My research focuses on American politics, elections, campaign finance, and political economy. 

My dissertation investigates how economic elites leverage our campaign finance system to shape electoral and policy outcomes, reinforcing existing inequalities in political representation. Using primarily quantitative analysis I focus on three key themes: (1) patterns in billionaire giving, particularly through non-direct channels such as Super PACs and dark money organizations, (2) how political giving translates into tangible policy advantages and rewards for the billionaire class through government contracts and merger approvals, and (3) dynastic giving by billionaire heirs and the role of political contributions in maintaining elite influence over time.

Prior to beginning my PhD, I received a B.A. in Political Science and B.S. in Environmental Science from California Lutheran University. I have also worked for the California State Assembly.

Email: rmundy@uci.edu