Austin Steinhart is a second-year graduate student studying the intersection of computer science and public policy. He works as a Data Editor in the Data & Technology section of the Maroon. He started working at the Maroon to continue his interest in using human-machine collaborative systems and data storytelling to help communities build power and create lasting change. Outside of The Maroon, Austin enjoys cheap concerts, reading another niche nonfiction book, and cooking yummy meals with friends.
UChicago trustees’ donations to Republican candidates increased considerably in the 2024 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission records reviewed by the Maroon.
Drawing upon an interview with journalist Jamie Kalven, son of Harry Kalven Jr. of the Kalven Report, the Maroon annotates this oft-cited but little read document.
Drawing from University archives, campus maps, academic literature, and news clippings, the Maroon charted the University’s contentious property acquisitions from its charter in 1890 to the present.
Despite being an imperfect measurement of both political donations and individual beliefs, analyzing which candidates and PACs UChicago faculty donated to over the past five election cycles serves as a meaningful indicator of the collective political leaning of the faculty and their engagement in elections.
Beyond low turnout, this autumn election cycle also saw lower numbers of candidates, with only one candidate running to fill a College Council seat to represent the Class of 2027.
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