Thomas Hayes

Thomas Hayes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside (2012). His research specializes in American politics and political behavior, with a focus on economic inequality, congressional dynamics, and representation. In 2019, he served as U.S. Studies Chair for the Fulbright program in Xalapa, Mexico.

Dr. Hayes's primary research investigates how economic inequality shapes democratic processes, legislative behavior, and policy outcomes. His work examines partisan influences on income distribution, elite mobilization in social movements (particularly LGBTQ+ rights), and the psychological mechanisms behind public attitudes toward equality. He also analyzes historical trends in fiscal policy adoption across U.S. states.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on inequality mechanisms, legislative responsiveness, and political behavior. Recent works explore elite-led mobilization theory, policy framing effects, and the intersection of oligarchy with welfare systems. Methodologically, he employs longitudinal state-level data, experimental designs, and legislative analysis.

Major Awards:

• APSA Bailey Award for Best Paper in LGBT Politics (2014)
• APSA Law and Courts Section Best Conference Paper Award (2015, Co-winner)
• Fulbright U.S. Studies Chair (2019)

He advises graduate students including Christopher Guay (M.A.) and teaches courses on Congress, American Politics, Congress-Presidency relations, and the Politics of Inequality. His office is located in SHH 413 at the Storrs campus.