Norman Jay Ornstein is a distinguished American political scientist and an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), a prominent conservative think tank in Washington, D.C. His academic journey began with a BA from the University of Minnesota, followed by a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan. By the mid-1970s, Ornstein had established himself as a leading expert on the United States Congress, serving as a professor at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he directed the Congressional studies program.

Throughout his career, Ornstein has made significant contributions to the discourse on American politics. He co-authored the influential book “It’s Even Worse Than It Looks” with Thomas E. Mann, which critiques the dysfunction within the American political system. His insights have been widely disseminated through his columns in The Washington Post and Roll Call, where he provided analysis on critical political issues for over two decades. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in drafting the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, showcasing his commitment to improving the electoral process.

Ornstein’s expertise extends beyond academia; he has served as a consultant and advisor on various projects aimed at election reform and governance. He co-directed the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project and has been involved with organizations like the Future of American Democracy Foundation and Represent.Us, advocating for systemic changes to enhance democratic processes.

Recognized as one of Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers in 2012, Ornstein continues to be a prominent voice in political analysis, known for his incisive critiques of Congress and advocacy for electoral integrity. His work remains influential in shaping discussions around American democracy and governance.