David A. Jones

David A. Jones is Professor of Political Science at James Madison University (JMU), specializing in American government and politics. His research focuses on political communication, political behavior, public opinion, polarization and media, and elections. He directs JMU’s Washington Semester program, an internship-based initiative in Washington, D.C. Jones holds a doctorate and master's from Purdue University and a bachelor's from Appalachian State University.

His 2016 book U.S. Media and Elections in Flux analyzes evolving media landscapes, covering traditional news, opinion media, and new platforms like blogs and social media. His work has been featured in outlets such as Christian Science Monitor, Business Insider, and Cambridge Journals, addressing topics including media trust, election coverage, and partisan workplace polarization.

Key themes in his research include the interplay between paid, earned, and social media in electioneering, the fragmentation of media consumption, and its impact on voter behavior. He emphasizes academic rigor combined with accessible writing, targeting courses on campaigns, media and politics, and American introductory politics.