headshot of Elizabeth Bergman

Elizabeth Bergman, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus (& former Chair) of Political Science

Expertise

California politics; especially the state budget, water policy, education funding and policy, Voters (demographics), voting behavior (turnout) and public opinion/polls, Elections; administration and processes both statewide and nationally (Voter ID, long lines, voting by mail, poll worker recruitment), Urban politics; especially relating to sub-city governments (special districts, e.g. school districts), Practical politics, "how to" of campaigns and how candidates get elected, Lobbying and political reform, re: money and influence in politics and elections

In The News

Showing news articles.

Can $7,000 Win a State Senate Seat? Republican Jim Shoemaker Shocks in Expensive Race (Mercury News)

Political science professor Elizabeth Bergman speaks on the unpredictability of results with Democratic candidates splitting the vote.

March 7, 2024

Oakland To Consider $75K Pay Raise for Mayor; Here’s How Salary Sizes up To Other Cities (ABC 7)

Professor Elizabeth Bergman shares her thoughts on the Oakland mayor's salary.

July 10, 2023

State Cash Could Be Coming To Help Fund CA Public Transit Under New Budget Deal (ABC 7)

Professor Elizabeth Bergman speaks on the deal and its effects on California's carbon neutral goals.

June 12, 2023

Senator Feinstein Has No Plans To Resign (KRON)

Professor Elizabeth Bergman shares her thought's on Feinstein's long absence from senate.

May 5, 2023

More Than $7.7 Million Spent in East Bay State Senate Race (East Bay Times)

Professor Elizabeth Bergman shares her thoughts on the Senate race spending.

November 3, 2022

Mayors Libby Schaaf and London Breed Have Picked a Candidate in the Oakland Mayor’s Race (SF Chronicle)

Professor Elizabeth Bergman says endorsements are key in races with unfamiliar candidates.

September 21, 2022