DeWayne Lucas

DeWayne Lucas serves as Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of the Department of Politics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he joined the faculty in 2000. His academic appointment resides within the Department of Politics, focusing on American political institutions and behavior.

Dr. Lucas specializes in legislative politics with particular emphasis on congressional decision-making, party polarization, and congressional caucuses. His research examines moderate factions within political parties, electoral dynamics, and institutional structures of the U.S. House of Representatives. He has published extensively on topics including Blue Dog Democrats, Main Street Republicans, and same-sex marriage politics.

His scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on congressional behavior and party dynamics over the past two decades, with publications appearing in The Forum, Congress & The Presidency, and University of Chicago Press volumes. His work bridges theoretical analysis with empirical examination of legislative processes.

Among his professional recognitions are the Faculty Prize for Community Service (2016) and the prestigious American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship (2004-2005).

• Faculty Prize for Community Service (2016)
• APSA Congressional Fellowship Program (2004-2005)

Dr. Lucas has held significant administrative roles including Department Chair (2011-2012 and 2022-present), Associate Dean of Faculty (2013-2017), and Interim Provost positions (2017-2020). He has advised numerous student programs including the HWS Annual Day on the Hill (2007-2018) and served on major institutional committees such as the Middle States Re-Accreditation Steering Committee and Faculty Governance Committee on Academic Affairs.

His service extends to professional organizations including the American Political Science Association, Midwest Political Science Association, Northeastern Political Science Association, and National Conference of Black Political Scientists.