Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Political Science

Committee Chair

John C. Kilwein

Committee Co-Chair

William W. Franko

Committee Member

William W. Franko

Committee Member

Herschel F. Thomas

Committee Member

Simon F. Haeder

Committee Member

Matthew L. Jacobsmeier

Abstract

This dissertation examines the impact of political party control on health outcomes in U.S. states, focusing on three key indicators: infant mortality, Type II Diabetes deaths, and COVID-19 deaths. Using quantitative methods and data primarily from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this study investigates whether the party affiliation of governors and state legislatures significantly influences these health outcomes. While existing literature suggests that Democratic-led states may achieve better health outcomes due to greater public investment in healthcare, the findings of this dissertation challenge these assumptions. Across all three cases, the analysis reveals predominantly null results, suggesting that political party control may not exert a direct influence on health outcomes. These findings highlight the complexity of health determinants, emphasizing the need to consider factors beyond party affiliation, such as individual health behaviors, policy enforcement, and ideological variation within parties. By confronting these null results, this research contributes to the fields of American Politics and Public Policy, offering a nuanced perspective on the relationship between governance and public health.

Download

Share

COinS