Political Scientist Named 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellow

McCourt School Professor Chris Warshaw was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York Program.

Also known as the "Brainy Award," the prestigious fellowship selects 24 scholars and writers to study the causes of polarization in the U.S. and how to strengthen American society. Each fellow receives up to $200,000 to conduct their research.

As a fellow, Warshaw will lead the first large-scale examination of the causes and consequences of political polarization in local governments across the U.S.

He will analyze polarization trends among the public and local elected officials on various policy issues, including housing, policing and transportation. He will also examine how electoral rules and institutional reforms impact polarization.

"Local politics is incredibly important for everyday Americans," says Warshaw. "So, it's vital to learn more about how polarized city halls are around the country, and what's driving that polarization. I also hope this research will yield insights we can use to reduce polarization and strengthen democratic representation in statehouses and Congress."

Warshaw's fellowship research builds on his existing scholarship on the intensifying polarization of American politics at the state and local levels. His award-winning book, Dynamic Democracy: Public Opinion, Elections, and Policymaking in the American States, analyzes political representation at the state and local levels.

Challenges to Democracy

Warshaw is widely recognized for his work on gerrymandering and political representation within state and local governments. His research examines the links between public opinion, elections and political outcomes in city and state governments, as well as the U.S. Congress.

Warshaw also studies how political institutions, such as off-cycle elections, term limits and direct democracy, influence political representation.

"We're enormously proud of Chris for earning this fellowship," said Carole Roan Gresenz, dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy. "His research on polarization at the local level - where government touches people's daily lives most directly - addresses one of the most urgent challenges in our democracy."

Warshaw's work has been published in several political science and interdisciplinary journals, including the American Journal of Political Science, Science Advances, Nature Communications and Journal of Public Economics. His research is also frequently cited in the media, including USA Today, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Economist and other major news outlets.

Professor Warshaw joined Georgetown University in 2025 and teaches courses on electoral politics and state and local government. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and a J.D. from Stanford University and received his bachelor's in economics and political science from Williams College.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the Carnegie Foundation's support for my research on polarization and political representation in local governments," said Warshaw.

• McCourt School of Public Policy