Senior Warner Bush recognized for study linking ideology and social issues in the 2020 election
Warner Bush understands the value of balance.
As a senior at Presbyterian College, Bush juggles life in the classroom and on the football field. A double major in political science and public policy and history, Bush also serves as a quarterback on the Blue Hose Football team. But it was his research—not his arm—that recently earned him statewide recognition.
Bush is the 2025 recipient of the Mary Jeanne Byrd Award from the South Carolina Political Science Association. The prestigious honor, presented at the association’s annual conference, recognizes the top undergraduate political science paper in the state.
Bush’s award-winning paper, “Social Issues and Self-Identification: An Ideological Analysis of the 2020 Election,”examines how American voters define ideological labels like “liberal” and “conservative,” and how those definitions shape the issues they prioritize. His research concludes that social issues—especially abortion and immigration—played a more defining role in ideological alignment in 2020 than traditional economic concerns.
Recognized by the Experts
Dr. Ben Bailey, associate professor of political science and public policy at PC and president of the SCPSA, presented the award to Bush in honor of his outstanding scholarship.
“Warner’s research provides an insightful and timely analysis of how social issues—especially abortion and immigration—shaped ideological identification in 2020 more than traditional economic concerns,” Bailey stated.
The Mary Jeanne Byrd Award is named for a trailblazing political scientist from Winthrop University who was South Carolina’s first female Insurance Commissioner. Byrd was also a former SCPSA president and a respected scholar of American political parties. The award bearing her name honors excellence in undergraduate research and writing—something Bush has demonstrated in abundance.
Asking Big Questions
Bush said his interest in the project began with a sense that traditional models of American political ideology didn’t match the reality he witnessed as a high school senior during the 2020 presidential election.
“Political science textbooks often suggest that disagreements over the size of government and economic policy are the main drivers of political division,” Bush said. “But my own experience suggested that social issues were having a much greater impact—so I wanted to investigate that.”
His research focused on understanding how people define political labels and how those definitions affect the issues they care about most.
“I wanted to see whether people who identify as conservative or liberal are actually prioritizing economic concerns—or if social issues are more central to their political identity,” he said.
Built at Presbyterian
Bush’s project originated during the Summer Fellows Program at PC, where he conducted preliminary research under the guidance of professor Dr. Erin McAdams, now PC’s provost and vice president of academic affairs.
“Dr. McAdams helped me refine my research questions and introduced me to SPSS data analysis software,” he said. “That summer gave me a strong foundation to build on.”
He continued the project during his Senior Capstone course with Dr. Don Raber, a longtime professor of political science and public policy. Raber assisted Bush in selecting a robust national dataset from the 2020 election and coached him through the process of developing a polished academic paper.
Bush said the research also drew from skills he learned in earlier courses, especially Research Methods and Analysis, and reflected his cumulative growth as a student.
“I was able to pull together everything I’ve learned in my classes over the past three years,” he said. “It all clicked with this project.”
Findings that Matter
Bush’s analysis revealed that social issues were a more significant factor than economic issues in shaping ideological self-identification in the 2020 electorate.
“That finding challenged some conventional assumptions,” he said. “It suggested that political behavior may be changing, or at least that our frameworks for understanding it need to evolve.”
Bush emphasized that his goal wasn’t to take a political stance but to better understand how American voters think—and why.
“I’m interested in how people make meaning of political ideas,” he said. “Understanding that can help us have more productive conversations in the future.”
Growth Through Mentorship
Bush credited much of his success to the relationships he built with PC faculty and peers.
“My professors were always accessible and supportive,” he said. “Dr. McAdams, Dr. Raber, and (political science professor) Dr. Justin Lance have all made a huge difference in my growth as a student.”
He also pointed to the benefits of a liberal arts education.
“Being able to take a wide range of courses—and being part of a small academic community—really helped me become a better thinker and writer,” he said.
Life Beyond the Classroom
As a scholar-athlete, Bush kept a lot on his plate in both the classroom and on the field.
“Balancing football and academics has taught me a lot about time management and discipline,” he said. “I’ve had to stay organized and focused, but it’s been rewarding.”
Bush will return to PC this fall and will complete his undergraduate career in December. As for life after graduation, Bush is exploring opportunities that blend his passions.
“I’m interested in pursuing coaching at the collegiate level,” he said. “Ideally, I’d like to serve as a graduate assistant while working toward a master’s degree.”
A Georgia Native with a PC Heart
Originally from Atlanta and raised in nearby Smyrna, Ga., Bush is the son of Jonathan and Ashley Bush. He said his time at PC has helped him develop not only as a student, but as a person.
“PC has given me a chance to grow in ways I didn’t expect,” he said. “I’ve learned to think critically, to communicate more clearly, and to take ownership of my learning.”
As he reflects on the award and what it represents, Bush is quick to credit the environment that made it possible.
“None of this would have happened without the people around me—my professors, my teammates, my friends,” he said. “That’s what makes PC special. You’re not just a number here. You’re part of something.”
From statistical software and political theory to playbooks and team huddles, Warner Bush has made the most of his time at Presbyterian College—and his best plays may still be ahead.
