Eric R. Schmidt

Eric R. Schmidt is an Assistant Professor of Government and Politics at Millsaps College, where he teaches courses on American politics, political philosophy, free speech, and research methods. Previously, he taught at Concordia College and served as pre-law advisor. His research focuses on partisan polarization, political psychology, and public opinion, with recent work exploring judicial legitimacy among evangelical Christians, populism in U.S. elections, and partisan dynamics in congressional politics.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Political Science, Indiana University
• A.M., Political Science, Duke University
• B.A., Political Science, University of Wisconsin

His research interests emphasize applied political analysis, integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical methods to study political behavior and institutional dynamics. Notable publications include analyses of polarization, populism, and religious influences on political attitudes. He coordinates internships at the Mississippi State Capitol through the Legislative Fellows program and has received awards for teaching excellence and inclusive classroom practices.

Key contributions include examining how partisan identity shapes voting behavior, the role of religious sophistication in public opinion formation, and legislative strategies during crises like the 2020 pandemic. His work bridges scholarly inquiry with practical engagement, fostering critical civic participation through classroom dialogue and real-world policy exposure.