The story of the 11th tells us a great deal about the ⬆️ in the urban/rural divide, the ⬆️ alignment of partisanship & ideology, redistricting, the role of run-offs & how national political tides increasingly alter representation. In other words, the story of southern politics.

I also make a call for more of what I call "place-based political science." Yes, politics is increasingly nationalized, but there's a great deal to to be learned by examining the experience of specific people & places. Journalists know this. Sometimes academics need to be reminded.