Neilan Chaturvedi

Neilan Chaturvedi is an Associate Professor of Political Science at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His research focuses on American politics with emphasis on the U.S. Senate, elections, voting rights, and race and ethnic politics.

• B.A., Political Science, University of California, Riverside
• M.A. and Ph.D., Political Science, University of California, Irvine

His scholarly work examines legislative strategy, electoral dynamics, and the role of moderates in a polarized Congress. He challenges conventional wisdom about the power of Senate centrists, arguing that their electoral precariousness limits legislative influence despite partisan gridlock.

Key trends in his publications include analysis of Senate polarization, campaign finance after Citizens United, voter mobilization techniques, and historical legislative strategies. His 2021 book Life in the Middle synthesizes these themes through interviews with retired senators and Congressional Record data.

• Seattle University Research Assistant Grant (2013-2014, $2,000)
• Dirksen Center Congressional Research Award (2013-2014, $3,500)
• University of California, Irvine Associate Dean’s Fellowship (Spring 2012, Spring 2013)
• Center for the Study of Democracy Peltason Fellow (2011-2013)

Chaturvedi’s media contributions appear in the Washington Post, The Hill, and Vox, where he analyzes contemporary political issues like voter registration changes, Senate majority implications, and electoral strategy. While no formal student advising is documented in the provided materials, his academic collaborations demonstrate engagement with co-authors like C. Hayes, C. Haynes, and P.A. Miller.