Reforming Primary Elections: Voters, Campaigns, and the Future of Congressional Politics

The American system of partisan primary elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate is often blamed for contributing to political polarization and conflict in Congress. These concerns have increased in recent decades, as both parties have at times failed to nominate candidates who would have broad general election appeal.

This book considers how primary elections have changed over the past decade and why they so often yield extreme or unpopular candidates. It provides detailed ...