Jordan Ragusa

Jordan Ragusa is a Professor of Political Science at the College of Charleston with expertise in American and South Carolina politics, congressional behavior, elections, political parties, and statistical methods. His research bridges academic scholarship and public engagement through redistricting litigation work, media commentary, and collaborative student research projects.

Ragusa's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Florida
• M.A. in Political Science, University of Florida
• B.S. in Secondary Education, Bowling Green State University

His research program focuses on congressional repeals, South Carolina's role in presidential politics, and the dynamics of party behavior. In his book Congress in Reverse, Ragusa examines when and why Congress repeals legislation, demonstrating that repeals face unique constraints and are often driven by partisan motives rather than policy problems. His work on South Carolina politics, particularly in First in the South, argues for the state's underappreciated but pivotal role in presidential nomination contests due to its demographically clarifying electorate.

Ragusa's publication record shows a consistent focus on American political institutions with increasing methodological sophistication. His recent work examines ideological polarization in repeal politics, congressional support for Trump, and the nationalization of special elections. His research demonstrates how party dynamics, electoral considerations, and ideological positioning shape legislative behavior across different eras of American politics.

As an educator, Ragusa teaches courses on American politics, research methodology, and South Carolina's political landscape. He actively mentors students through the American Politics Research Team, which conducts exit polling and publishes research on contemporary political phenomena. His public scholarship includes expert testimony in redistricting cases, op-eds on local elections, and frequent media appearances discussing South Carolina and national politics.

Ragusa co-founded the American Politics Research Team at the College of Charleston, which engages students in hands-on political research. The team has conducted exit polling during Charleston mayoral elections and produced publishable research on topics including the #NeverTrump movement and congressional behavior. Through this initiative, Ragusa provides students with valuable research experience while contributing to scholarly understanding of American politics.