I study representation voting rights electoral college racial discrimination polarized voting polarization politics elections redistricting electoral reform gerrymandering election integrity institutions election law
Jonathan Cervas is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), specializing in American political institutions, redistricting, and voting rights. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, where his research focused on the quantitative assessment of the U.S. Electoral College and its effects on representation. His work examines the structural elements of American democracy, with an emphasis on vote dilution, political polarization, and the impact of institutional design on electoral outcomes. He has numerous publications in journals including The Proceedings of the National Academy, Election Law Journal, Political Geography, and Presidential Studies Quarterly.
Dr. Cervas has served in key roles in redistricting processes across multiple states. In 2021, he was the redistricting consultant for the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission, contributing to a bipartisan legislative plan upheld by the state Supreme Court. In 2022, he was appointed as Special Master by the New York State Supreme Court to redraw congressional and state senate districts. Most recently, in 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court engaged him as a consultant to evaluate new legislative district maps. His expertise in political geography, statistical modeling, and districting methodologies informs both his academic work and applied policy contributions.
At CMU, Dr. Cervas teaches courses on American government, political representation, and electoral systems. His research integrates data-driven analysis with practical applications in governance and policymaking. He is also actively involved in initiatives aimed at fostering civil discourse and bridging ideological divides in electoral and legislative processes.
