Schar School of Policy and Government

Despite countless frictions and hurdles, the 2025 election results swung in favor of the Democratic Party. How did they manage to do this, and what could it mean for the country? David Ramadan answers these questions with Kyle Kondik and J. Miles Coleman from Sabato’s Crystal Ball, one of the most respected election forecasting teams in the country. Together, they take a closer look at the winners (and losers) of the election, particularly in Virginia and New Jersey, to determine how this will shape the 2026 cycle. They also unpack the most surprising things about the 2025 elections, particularly the shifting political winds in key states, as well as how the government shutdown impacted voter turnout.

Julie Hudson, executive assistant to Dean Mark J. Rozell at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, played an integral role in maintaining the school’s operations during the pandemic and has demonstrated exceptional flexibility as her position evolved over the years. For her leadership and outstanding work ethic, Hudson is being recognized as the December Employee of the Month.

As a principal architect of the incoming administration’s transition, Schar School Professor of Practice David Ramadan will play a pivotal role in ensuring Governor-elect Spanberger and Lieutenant Governor-elect Hashmi are fully prepared to govern from the moment they take the oath on Inauguration Day.

George Mason’s Virginia Climate Center (VCC) has unveiled the commonwealth’s first comprehensive, peer-reviewed climate assessment—a landmark report that provides science-based insights into Virginia’s changing climate and its impacts on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

What happened around the state on Election Day 2025? Who won and why? Schar School veteran politicians Terry McAuliffe and David Ramadan took the Fuse stage to explain it all.

The Schar School hosted its flagship “15 Minutes with POTUS” competition, drawing exceptional undergraduates from universities nationwide to Mason Square for a high-pressure national security briefing simulation. Featuring distinguished judges and extensive professional development opportunities, the event highlights the school’s commitment to preparing future leaders for real-world policymaking.

Is it possible to rewrite the Constitution for a younger generation of Americans? Three Schar School students attended a multifaceted program called Declaration Next at the University of Virginia and did just that.

Despite many losses, humanity was able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. But if we are to experience yet another outbreak on a global scale, how good is our pandemic readiness? David Ramadan and his guest co-host Gregory Koblentz sit down with renowned epidemiologist Michael Osterholm to discuss how the world should prepare to ensure that the next pandemic will not catch us off guard. They pinpoint the shortcomings of the COVID-19 response, particularly with vaccine integrity and lockdown implementation. They also explore how to address the massive problem of “infodemic,” as well as how young people can make a stand against misinformation and disinformation.

A roundup of recent media appearances by Schar School faculty, students, and staff for Schar School in the News: November 10th to 14th, 2025.

The Congressionally mandated National Academy of Public Administration is dedicated to improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of government. The Schar School’s Michael V. Hayden was just named a Fellow.