February 1, 2024

Prof. Jack Pitney provided insight into Republican Steve Garvey’s chances of winning the California Senate election, stating that his troubled relationship with his children may hurt him if he continues to rise in the polls. He said Garvey has a serious chance to advance to November, but doubted whether he had a real shot to win unless a major scandal hit the Democratic candidate.

January 28, 2024

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article about Kari Lake’s use of secret recordings. The recordings exposed Arizona Republican Party Chair Jeff DeWit offering Kari Lake money if she declined to run for U.S. Senate in 2024. Prof. Pitney said, “Her campaign is mostly theater, not policy substance. And in the theater of Kari Lake, this recording is a wonderful prop. It’s about being a maverick, about being an outsider. And the conversation gives her a great deal of ammunition.”

January 23, 2024

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article on former President Trump’s recent hint towards his running mate. The piece discussed how vice presidents are usually selected. Prof. Pitney provided some historical context, sharing that President George W. Bush tapped Dick Cheney “because of his qualifications, not because of his Wyoming roots.” And, President Bill Clinton “picked Al Gore, a fellow Baby Boomer Southern moderate, because of his Senate experience and national security credentials.”

January 21, 2024

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article on how an Inland Empire congressional district race between Rep. Ken Calvert and Democrat Will Rollins may decide who will control Congress. He said, “The race is pivotal because the Republicans have a very thin majority in the House. Democrats can win control by flipping just a few seats. Every close race will get enormous national attention, and this race will be one of them… The race could come down to a few thousand or even a few hundred votes.”