Dr. Jowei Chen

Biography

Jowei Chen studies redistricting, political geography, and distributive politics, particularly focusing on the impact of partisan racial effects in redistricting maps and their influence on political geography and electoral outcomes. His research delves into the strategies employed by legislators in pork-barreling and how these strategies shape electoral geography and government spending, thereby influencing voter behavior. Additionally, he analyzes the political control of executive agencies, contributing to a deeper understanding of governance and public policy. Chen's work has been highlighted in major publications, including the Washington Post and Time Magazine, where he discussed his findings related to partisan gerrymandering. In 2019, he was recognized by Common Cause as a “Defender of Democracy” for his efforts in advocating for fair electoral practices and addressing issues of gerrymandering. His scholarly contributions extend to various op-ed articles that explain the complexities of his research to a broader audience.

Research Interests