Laurel Elder’s research explores the intersection of gender, parenthood, representation, and public opinion. In her recent book, The Partisan Gap, she seeks to understand the reasons for women’s continued underrepresentation in elected office focusing on the causes of the partisan gap, with Democratic women far outnumbering Republican women. Other recent projects explore the challenges of parenting during the pandemic and the public’s perceptions of presidential candidate spouses. She is currently working on her fourth book, which is co-authored with Professors Steven Greene and Mary-Kate-Lizotte, focused on shifts in public opinion on abortion and reproductive rights in the post-Roe era.
