Political Violence and American Democracy in the States

• In Event: Women, Politics, and Policy: A View from the States

Abstract

In the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection, worrisome indicators point to a rise in political violence in the US (Kleinfeld 2022, ACLED 2022.) This paper answers four research questions: To what extent are state and local representatives in the US, their families and their staff, facing insults, harassment, threats and attacks? Is there a disparate impact on marginalized communities? How and where does hostility manifest? And what is the impact of hostility on political behavior and political ambitions of these representatives?

In answering these questions, the report employs a mixed methods research design, utilizing three original datasets. This includes two national surveys of over 1700 local officials and over 300 state legislators. The research team also conducted three dozen semi-structured interviews with state legislators. Taken together, the datasets represent information gathered from approximately 2000 people from all 50 states, and the sample includes a range of ages, party affiliations, ideologies, genders, race and ethnic identities, and religions. Our results show that the majority of state and local officials surveyed face hostility, with women and people of color reporting higher levels of violence than their white male colleagues. Many electeds are worried about their family and staff (with women and people of color expressing more concern.) The impact on democracy is also worrisome. A critical mass of respondents shared that they are reluctant to engage with constituents, take on controversial issues, and run for higher office. Our research highlights important trends in a growing problem for American democracy.

Authors

• Maya Kornberg, NYU Brennan Center for Justice

• R. Grady Yuthok Short, Brennan Center for Justice