These experts from the UW–Madison faculty and staff have agreed to comment on breaking news, ongoing developments and trends in their areas of expertise. If you need help arranging interviews, email the Office of Strategic Communication.
Experts on the news
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Barry Burden on: 2026 Midterms
Barry Burden, professor of political science, director of the Elections Research Center and Lyons Family Chair in Electoral Politics at UW Madison, studies American elections, political parties, public opinion and representation. As voters prepare to head to the polls, he can explain the factors shaping this year’s midterms, how Wisconsin’s competitive races fit into the national political landscape, and what the results could mean for Congress and state government.
He can speak to:
• What past elections and research on voter participation, public opinion and political parties can tell us about the factors shaping the 2026 midterms.
• Wisconsin’s competitive congressional and legislative races, and the implications for party control in Washington and Madison.
• How election administration, voting laws and political representation could be affected by the election results.
Recent Press:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel- August 2026
NBC 15 Madison- July 2026
