Erik J. Engstrom

Erik J. Engstrom is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Davis, specializing in U.S. Congress, political parties, and American political development. He has held roles including Department Chair (2017–2021) and Director of Undergraduate Studies (2012–2016). He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2003–2008). Engstrom earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from UC San Diego (2003).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, UC San Diego, 2003
• M.A. in Political Science, University of Oregon, 1995
• B.A. in Political Science, Portland State University, 1993

Research Interests: Engstrom’s work focuses on legislative politics, electoral systems, gerrymandering, and the intersection of populism with social welfare policies. His notable books include Partisan Gerrymandering and the Construction of American Democracy (2013) and Race, Class, and Social Welfare: American Populism Since the New Deal (2020). His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation.

Awards and Grants: Recipient of the J. David Greenstone Prize (2015) and Longley Prize (2005). He led an NSF-funded project on ballot design (2011–2013).

Service and Teaching: Engstrom has chaired numerous departmental and university committees, including roles in academic governance and curriculum design. He teaches courses on legislative processes and American political parties at both undergraduate and graduate levels.