Farnsworth Coauthors Book on Political Humor

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is coauthor of a new book, Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency, recently published by Routledge. This project is Professor Farnsworth’s ninth published book on U.S. politics.

From the publisher: “This book traces the trajectory of late-night political humor, which has long been a staple of entertainment television and is now a prominent part of social media political discourse, especially when it comes to the presidency. From Richard Nixon on Laugh-In to Donald Trump’s avatar on Saturday Night Live, this book takes the next step and considers how late-night comedy treats Joe Biden, the new American president who strives to restore a civil public tone but offers far less comedy fodder than his predecessor. Employing content analysis, public opinion surveys, and a variety of other quantitative and qualitative research, the authors look beyond the day-to-day memes and mimes of late-night comics and show how political humor may evolve. For students and scholars of politics and the media, this book will appeal to the general public and political pundits as well.”

Ordering info here

Virginia Democrats appeal to US Supreme Court and consider wiping out their own (Washington Examiner)

“The decision is going to be made by the U.S. Supreme Court about whether or not they are going to be new lines in Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

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Trump rejecting Iran’s latest deal poses a ‘serious threat’: political analyst (CTV News Canada)

“It does seem that both the Iranians and the Americans are convinced that time is on their side,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “Both sides are confident the other side will back down first.”

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UMW Announces 2026 Faculty Emeriti

At the end of each spring semester, UMW faculty gather to approve the graduates and recognize colleagues who are retiring from their dedicated service. Departmental tributes chronicle their time in classrooms and labs, with committees and in communities, and as leaders in undergraduate research and in their areas of study. In spring 2026, the University of Mary Washington recognized seven faculty emeriti.

Ana G. Chichester, Professor Emerita of Spanish
Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Alan B. Griffith, Professor Emeritus of Biology
Janusz Konieczny, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
J. Larry Lehman, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Joseph W. Nicholas, Associate Professor Emeritus of Geography
Grant R. Woodwell, Professor Emeritus of Geology

Together, the 2026 faculty emeriti represent the very best of UMW’s academic mission – collective decades of curiosity, rigor, mentorship and unwavering dedication to students. Their formal recognition took place at Commencement on May, 9, 2026. Read more about the 2026 Faculty Emeriti.

Dr. Farnsworth’s International Programs

J. William Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Humanities and Social Sciences: Poland

J. William Fulbright Faculty Research Chair in Public Policy: Canada

J. William Fulbright Faculty Specialist: Malaysia

U.S. State Department International Lectures: Poland, Malaysia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Canada, India, Armenia, Ukraine, the Philippines

International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) Media Training Seminars: Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

International University Lectures and Research Conferences: Poland, Germany, Norway, Canada, Switzerland

National Democratic Institute International Election Monitoring: Cambodia

Washington Lectures for International Audiences: Cyprus, Australia, India, Canada, Norway, Malaysia, Moldova, Zambia, Yemen, China, Sierra Leone, Germany, Egypt, the Palestinian Territories, Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Ukraine.

Other International Travel: Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Ecuador, United Kingdom, France, Mexico

Virginia Supreme Court Rejects New Congressional Districts (WTOP)

“This is very bad news for Democrats and good news for Republicans,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

Democrats Dealt Major Blow as Virginia Supreme Court Tosses New Map (Newsweek)

The ruling is a “significant setback” for Democrats, Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, told Newsweek. “The hope for the Democrats had been that Virginia could counter Republican gains in Ohio, Missouri and North Carolina and now that’s not going to happen,” he said. “Democrats are still probably likely to pick up one or two seats with the old map but nowhere near the net gain of four with the new lines.”

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