Jonathan L. Wharton

Dr. Jonathan L. Wharton is Associate Professor of Political Science and Urban Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), where he teaches courses in state and local government, public policy, and urban politics. He also serves as faculty advisor to SCSU’s College Republicans, College Democrats, and Golf Club.

Education:

• BA in History (cum laude), Howard University
• MPA, Howard University
• Ph.D. in Political Science (state and local government), Howard University
• MA in History, Rutgers University
• George Mason University study abroad programs in Asia

Research Focus: Dr. Wharton’s scholarship centers on local governance, urban redevelopment, and Connecticut public policy. His work examines community development strategies, mayoral politics, and the intersection of race, identity, and urban coalition-building. He is currently involved in analyzing the New Haven mayoral papers collection housed at SCSU’s Hilton C. Buley Library.

Public Scholarship & Media Engagement: A frequent commentator on Connecticut and national politics, Wharton contributes regularly to NPR affiliates, CT News Junkie, and Hearst Connecticut newspapers (New Haven Register, Connecticut Post). His media portfolio spans broadcast appearances on WNPR, CNN, NBC CT-30, and public television, addressing topics from elections to housing policy.

Selected Books:

• Mighty Midsize Municipalities (2026, De Gruyter)
• Democracy in New England (2018, Cognella)
• A Post-Racial Change Is Gonna Come (2013, Palgrave Macmillan)

Grants & Collaborative Projects: Wharton has co-directed grants supporting undergraduate and graduate research on Connecticut politics, oral history projects, and civic engagement initiatives. He has served on the boards of Preservation Connecticut, the New England Political Science Association, and the New Haven City Plan Commission.

Community & University Service: Beyond academia, Wharton is active on the Connecticut Democracy Center and New Haven Museum boards, mentors fraternity members, and sings in the choir at New Haven’s First Congregational Center Church. He previously chaired the New Haven Republican Town Committee and served on the Republican State Central Committee.