Scholar Spotlight: Alexander Hertel-Fernandez

We elect state legislators to craft bills for us, but three large conservative groups have a huge influence in shaping - and even writing - these laws. This week's Scholar Spotlight is Alexander Hertel-Fernandez for his research on these groups in his new book, State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Businesses, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the American States—and the Nation. The findings have gained attention in outlets like USA Today, the New Books Network podcast,  and on a recent No Jargon episode.

Scholar Spotlight

Hertel-Fernandez

Hertel-Fernandez’s research currently focuses on the Democratic Party and the politics of federal tax policy; the sustainability of social insurance programs, with an emphasis on unemployment insurance and Social Security; and mobilization of business interests in state politics. Hertel-Fernandez is a member of the Roosevelt Institute Pipeline’s Boston Chapter, and is a former Board Member of the National New Deal Preservation Association.