Danielle Thomsen
@daniellethomsen.bsky.social
Political scientist at UC, Irvine. Congress, elections, and gender. New book on fundraising in U.S. House elections from 1980 to 2022.
Pinned
The Money Signal
A data-rich, eye-opening look at how, when, and why political fundraising is consequential. Over the last two decades, the number of competitive congressional races has declined precipitously. Yet ca...
press.uchicago.edu
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
“I am delighted to conditionally accept your article for publication in The Journal of Politics.”
🥳
We find that gender quota laws for legislatures also increase the share of women in cabinets.
w @gventurini.bsky.social @tiffanydbarnes.bsky.social
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
🥳
We find that gender quota laws for legislatures also increase the share of women in cabinets.
w @gventurini.bsky.social @tiffanydbarnes.bsky.social
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
February 11, 2026 at 5:56 PM
“I am delighted to conditionally accept your article for publication in The Journal of Politics.”
🥳
We find that gender quota laws for legislatures also increase the share of women in cabinets.
w @gventurini.bsky.social @tiffanydbarnes.bsky.social
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
🥳
We find that gender quota laws for legislatures also increase the share of women in cabinets.
w @gventurini.bsky.social @tiffanydbarnes.bsky.social
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
This is just insane. It’s only a matter of time before DHS kills another innocent person here.
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
January 31, 2026 at 6:13 PM
This is just insane. It’s only a matter of time before DHS kills another innocent person here.
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Public opinion has shifted dramatically against the White House's approach to immigration enforcement, as captured in the rising % of adults who want to abolish ICE (now +12 among independents, per YouGov). Dems have a lot of leverage to push for reforms rn. www.gelliottmorris.com/p/trumps-imm...
The ICE shootings are a tipping point
Donald Trump's approval on immigration has collapsed 17 points since taking office, and support for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement has swung 50 points since Sept. 2024.
www.gelliottmorris.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Public opinion has shifted dramatically against the White House's approach to immigration enforcement, as captured in the rising % of adults who want to abolish ICE (now +12 among independents, per YouGov). Dems have a lot of leverage to push for reforms rn. www.gelliottmorris.com/p/trumps-imm...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
On NPR on Friday, there was a story of a 4-year-old--an American citizen--who hasn't left her house since early December, not even to play in the yard. And her 8-year-old brother recently stopped going to school, too. Their father is undocumented, and the family doesn't want to risk him being taken.
January 26, 2026 at 3:47 AM
On NPR on Friday, there was a story of a 4-year-old--an American citizen--who hasn't left her house since early December, not even to play in the yard. And her 8-year-old brother recently stopped going to school, too. Their father is undocumented, and the family doesn't want to risk him being taken.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Why is Dem leadership not on the ground in MN? If the answer is “polls show Trump’s disapproval is only -15 on deportations, but -25 on prices,” thats a Bad Use Of Polling and a complete failure in their capacity as leaders to lead public opinion and fight for democracy and the rule of law
January 24, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Why is Dem leadership not on the ground in MN? If the answer is “polls show Trump’s disapproval is only -15 on deportations, but -25 on prices,” thats a Bad Use Of Polling and a complete failure in their capacity as leaders to lead public opinion and fight for democracy and the rule of law
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
The Money Signal | New book by @daniellethomsen.bsky.social, @ucirvine.bsky.social political science professor, explores how fundraising matters in American politics
@uchicagopress.bsky.social @uofcalifornia.bsky.social
@uchicagopress.bsky.social @uofcalifornia.bsky.social
The Money Signal
www.socsci.uci.edu
January 22, 2026 at 7:05 PM
The Money Signal | New book by @daniellethomsen.bsky.social, @ucirvine.bsky.social political science professor, explores how fundraising matters in American politics
@uchicagopress.bsky.social @uofcalifornia.bsky.social
@uchicagopress.bsky.social @uofcalifornia.bsky.social
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
AOC: An agency that is attacking U.S. citizens, kidnapping five-year-olds and using them as bait, and privately circulating the idea that they can violate the rights of Americans by busting down their doors—they deserve to be defunded, and I’ll take any step in that direction.
January 22, 2026 at 11:29 PM
AOC: An agency that is attacking U.S. citizens, kidnapping five-year-olds and using them as bait, and privately circulating the idea that they can violate the rights of Americans by busting down their doors—they deserve to be defunded, and I’ll take any step in that direction.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
This family did every single thing they’ve been asked to in order to seek asylum here.
Yet in less than 24 hours, this kid and his Dad were nabbed off our streets and sent to Texas, using tactics that can only be described as pure evil.
Yet in less than 24 hours, this kid and his Dad were nabbed off our streets and sent to Texas, using tactics that can only be described as pure evil.
January 22, 2026 at 9:27 PM
This family did every single thing they’ve been asked to in order to seek asylum here.
Yet in less than 24 hours, this kid and his Dad were nabbed off our streets and sent to Texas, using tactics that can only be described as pure evil.
Yet in less than 24 hours, this kid and his Dad were nabbed off our streets and sent to Texas, using tactics that can only be described as pure evil.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
"Liam’s teacher, Ella Sullivan, teared up when thinking about Liam. 'He’s a bright young student,' she said, 'and he’s so kind and loving. His classmates miss him.'"
www.startribune.com/preschooler-...
www.startribune.com/preschooler-...
Preschooler and three other students detained by ICE, school district leader says
The detentions of Columbia Heights students come after weeks of heightened concern and enforcement presence near and on Twin Cities school property.
www.startribune.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:23 AM
"Liam’s teacher, Ella Sullivan, teared up when thinking about Liam. 'He’s a bright young student,' she said, 'and he’s so kind and loving. His classmates miss him.'"
www.startribune.com/preschooler-...
www.startribune.com/preschooler-...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Given that David Valadao, the only other remaining House Republican to vote for impeachment in 2021, is sitting in one of the seats targeted by California's redistricting efforts, there may be zero such members come 2027.
Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the last remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, won't seek re-election www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the last remaining House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, won't seek re-election
Newhouse was one of 10 Republicans in the House to impeach Trump over his role in the Jan.
www.nbcnews.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Given that David Valadao, the only other remaining House Republican to vote for impeachment in 2021, is sitting in one of the seats targeted by California's redistricting efforts, there may be zero such members come 2027.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
ICE PEPPER SPRAYED A ONE-YEAR-OLD because her mother was filming them.
ICE pepper-sprayed this 1-year-old girl.
Once at the hospital, the doctor had to call in a poison control specialist.
They had never seen anyone that young pepper sprayed.
Another horrific story.
More details below.
Once at the hospital, the doctor had to call in a poison control specialist.
They had never seen anyone that young pepper sprayed.
Another horrific story.
More details below.
December 15, 2025 at 1:02 AM
ICE PEPPER SPRAYED A ONE-YEAR-OLD because her mother was filming them.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
OPINION TODAY featured podcast —
The money chase: In congressional primaries and general elections, the top fundraiser wins 92% of the time. @daniellethomsen.bsky.social finds that candidates are raising money earlier and in larger amounts than ever.
opiniontoday.substack.com/i/177548584/...
The money chase: In congressional primaries and general elections, the top fundraiser wins 92% of the time. @daniellethomsen.bsky.social finds that candidates are raising money earlier and in larger amounts than ever.
opiniontoday.substack.com/i/177548584/...
October 31, 2025 at 3:42 AM
OPINION TODAY featured podcast —
The money chase: In congressional primaries and general elections, the top fundraiser wins 92% of the time. @daniellethomsen.bsky.social finds that candidates are raising money earlier and in larger amounts than ever.
opiniontoday.substack.com/i/177548584/...
The money chase: In congressional primaries and general elections, the top fundraiser wins 92% of the time. @daniellethomsen.bsky.social finds that candidates are raising money earlier and in larger amounts than ever.
opiniontoday.substack.com/i/177548584/...
Big thanks to @mattgrossmann.bsky.social for the invitation to discuss my new book!
How the Money Chase Governs our Elections
Early $ still governs who runs, who lasts, & who rises in Congress, even though it's often spent just to raise more
@daniellethomsen.bsky.social on The Money Signal on the #ScienceOfPolitics podcast/transcript:
www.niskanencenter.org/how-the-mone...
Early $ still governs who runs, who lasts, & who rises in Congress, even though it's often spent just to raise more
@daniellethomsen.bsky.social on The Money Signal on the #ScienceOfPolitics podcast/transcript:
www.niskanencenter.org/how-the-mone...
How the money chase governs our elections - Niskanen Center
Danielle Thomsen finds that candidates are raising money earlier and in larger amounts than ever.
www.niskanencenter.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Big thanks to @mattgrossmann.bsky.social for the invitation to discuss my new book!
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
New editorial from me and @keithschnak.bsky.social.
“Why Washington University must not sign Trump's 'compact'”
“Why Washington University must not sign Trump's 'compact'”
Opinion: Why Washington University must not sign Trump's 'compact'
Washington University in St. Louis has built its reputation on a simple ideal: excellence wins. For decades, our researchers have competed for and won federal grants based on the quality
www.stltoday.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:52 PM
New editorial from me and @keithschnak.bsky.social.
“Why Washington University must not sign Trump's 'compact'”
“Why Washington University must not sign Trump's 'compact'”
Great turnout on pacific coast highway. Deeply moved by support for democracy, science, and the values that set America apart.
So bad even political science (and philosophy) professors are showing up. With @daniellethomsen.bsky.social 🇺🇸
Here for democracy, science and #noKings #philsky #philsci #STS #sciencesky #HPBio
Here for democracy, science and #noKings #philsky #philsci #STS #sciencesky #HPBio
October 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Great turnout on pacific coast highway. Deeply moved by support for democracy, science, and the values that set America apart.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
I just finished reading this book. It is terrific.
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
The Money Signal
A data-rich, eye-opening look at how, when, and why political fundraising is consequential. Over the last two decades, the number of competitive congressional races has declined precipitously. Yet ca...
press.uchicago.edu
October 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I just finished reading this book. It is terrific.
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
The Money Signal
A data-rich, eye-opening look at how, when, and why political fundraising is consequential. Over the last two decades, the number of competitive congressional races has declined precipitously. Yet ca...
press.uchicago.edu
October 16, 2025 at 3:19 PM
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
#OpenAccess from Augusts 2025 -
Early Money and Strategic Candidate Exit - cup.org/3HnnDBk
"exit of experienced candidates has important implications for the choices that voters have"
- @daniellethomsen.bsky.social
Early Money and Strategic Candidate Exit - cup.org/3HnnDBk
"exit of experienced candidates has important implications for the choices that voters have"
- @daniellethomsen.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 12:30 PM
#OpenAccess from Augusts 2025 -
Early Money and Strategic Candidate Exit - cup.org/3HnnDBk
"exit of experienced candidates has important implications for the choices that voters have"
- @daniellethomsen.bsky.social
Early Money and Strategic Candidate Exit - cup.org/3HnnDBk
"exit of experienced candidates has important implications for the choices that voters have"
- @daniellethomsen.bsky.social
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
The Money Signal
A data-rich, eye-opening look at how, when, and why political fundraising is consequential. Over the last two decades, the number of competitive congressional races has declined precipitously. Yet ca...
press.uchicago.edu
October 16, 2025 at 3:19 PM
As fundraising heats up this cycle, it's a good time to announce the publication of my new book, The Money Signal! The main argument is that money matters because it is a widely used indicator of viability and strength in American politics.
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
CHICAGO — Outside an elementary school during dismissal… horrifying. What have we become?
October 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM
CHICAGO — Outside an elementary school during dismissal… horrifying. What have we become?
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
nyti.ms
October 8, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
New article: "Fundamentals of Solidarity: Race-Based Caucus Organizing in Houston" is live at Urban Affairs Review. I'm grateful to the organizers who let me into their world and work so we could produce this piece. Check it out 👇
Fundamentals of Solidarity: Race-Based Caucus Organizing in Houston - Elizabeth Jordie Davies, 2025
Grassroots organizations often espouse multiracial solidarity as a value but struggle with putting this value into practice. How can organizations, especially t...
doi.org
October 7, 2025 at 12:17 AM
New article: "Fundamentals of Solidarity: Race-Based Caucus Organizing in Houston" is live at Urban Affairs Review. I'm grateful to the organizers who let me into their world and work so we could produce this piece. Check it out 👇
Reposted by Danielle Thomsen
What do you have to do to a person to make them behave like this? What brings a person to a point in their life where they’re gleefully inflicting lawless, unjust violence like this?
ICE officers stopped a family at gunpoint and smashed the car window on top of the newborn baby. “I was screaming that there was a baby,” cried the mother. “But they didn’t care,” and covered the baby with their bodies, fearing that the glass would hurt him.
October 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
What do you have to do to a person to make them behave like this? What brings a person to a point in their life where they’re gleefully inflicting lawless, unjust violence like this?