Dr. Thad Kousser

Biography

Thad Kousser is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, San Diego, where he specializes in American state and national politics, voting reforms, and direct democracy. Since joining the department in 2003, he has served as chair from 2016 to 2022. Kousser's research has been published in prominent journals including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, American Political Science Review, and Political Analysis. He has authored and edited noteworthy books such as The Logic of American Politics and Power in American Governors. His distinguished career includes a visiting professorship at Stanford University and holding the Flinders Fulbright Distinguished Chair at Flinders University in Australia. Kousser has received UCSD's Academic Senate's Distinguished Teaching Award and has served as co-editor for journals like Legislative Studies Quarterly. He is also known for his insights into American politics, frequently contributing to networks such as NPR and publications including The New York Times and Politico. Kousser obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002, focusing on state politics and legislatures.

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