Political analyst, writer, and consultant.
Visiting Senior Fellow, German Marshall Fund
Visiting Fellow, SmartNews Media Research Institute
Carroll Doherty has spent his career at the intersection of journalism and public opinion research. As longtime Director of Political Research at Pew Research Center — a role he held for more than two decades — he shaped how America's most influential fact tank understood political values, partisan polarization, and the beliefs of the American public.
Before joining Pew in 2000, Carroll was a senior writer at Congressional Quarterly covering congressional leadership, politics, and foreign affairs, and an off-air investigative reporter at CBS News. He has provided expert political analysis for NPR, CNBC, and the BBC, and has spoken to government, academic, and business groups on politics and public opinion.
Now writing and consulting independently, Carroll brings that depth of experience to every engagement — helping organizations understand the public, the political moment, and the stories that matter.
Trump has always had a low ceiling, constrained by his single-digit approval among Democrats. But he also has a high floor — thanks to the steady, 80 percent-plus support he invariably receives from the GOP base.Carroll Doherty — Politico Magazine, July 2025
Survey design, data interpretation, and strategic analysis. Carroll spent over two decades leading Pew's political research — he knows what the numbers actually mean and how to act on them.
Helping organizations, campaigns, and institutions understand the political landscape — what voters think, why it matters, and how to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
Translating complex data and research findings into compelling, accessible writing. Op-eds, reports, white papers, and briefings for policy, media, and public audiences.
Expert commentary for news organizations, panel appearances, and keynote speaking on politics, public opinion, and the state of American democracy.
Available for writing assignments, expert commentary, and speaking. Carroll reads every message personally.