George Elliott Morris is a prominent American data journalist renowned for his expertise in election polling and predictive analytics. His career took off after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2018, where he earned degrees in government and history. During his undergraduate studies, Morris gained recognition as the “breakout star of the 2018 election” for his innovative project that accurately predicted the Democrats’ return to power in the House, showcasing his early talent for data-driven analysis.
Following his graduation, Morris joined The Economist, where he quickly established himself as a leading voice in political forecasting. His critical insights into the shortcomings of the 2016 U.S. presidential election predictions highlighted his commitment to accuracy and integrity in journalism. In 2020, he published a groundbreaking forecast for the presidential election, which was one of the first major models to predict the outcome, asserting Joe Biden’s 87 percent chance of winning. This bold prediction, while met with some skepticism, underscored his confidence in data analytics and his ability to navigate complex electoral dynamics.
In 2023, Morris transitioned to ABC News as the editorial director of data analytics, including the renowned FiveThirtyEight platform. His leadership is expected to enhance the site’s analytical rigor and expand its influence in political journalism. Morris’s ability to synthesize data and communicate findings effectively positions him as a key figure in shaping public understanding of electoral processes.
Morris is also the author of “Strength in Numbers: How Polls Work and Why We Need Them” (2022), further solidifying his role as an educator in the field of data journalism. His contributions continue to inspire confidence in the power of data to inform democratic processes, making him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to leverage analytics for impactful storytelling.