Matthew L. Bergbower

Matthew L. Bergbower is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts & Sciences at Indiana State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University (2009), an M.A. (2004), and a B.A. (2003), both from Eastern Illinois University, all in Political Science.

His research centers on American political behavior, electoral dynamics, partisan trust, and campaign communication. He investigates how voters process political information, the impact of campaign intensity on voting accuracy, and the role of partisanship in shaping public opinion and legislative behavior. His work also extends to political reform, presidential power, and digital political messaging, including cross-national analysis of leaders' use of social media.

The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in both electoral behavior and institutional governance. His articles span topics such as correct voting, campaign spending effects, congressional gridlock, fast-track legislative procedures, and political messaging on platforms like Twitter. These works demonstrate a consistent focus on democratic accountability, political polarization, and institutional reform in the U.S. context.

Dr. Bergbower’s research has been supported by grants from the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement, and his expertise has been featured in national and international media, including NPR, The New York Times, and BBC World Service. He has authored the book A Profile of the American Electorate: Partisan Behavior and the Need for Reform (Routledge, 2019) and published in top journals such as Social Science Quarterly, Journal of Elections, Public Opinion & Parties, and Journal of Political Science Education.

He is actively involved in curriculum development, particularly in political science education, and has presented on topics related to public health policy compliance and local governance. As department chair, he contributes to academic leadership and administrative oversight within the College of Arts & Sciences.