David M. Howard Memorial Prize in American Politics

Why I Support the Howard Prize

"Dave Howard was a brilliant political strategist but more importantly, he was devoted to honest politics and good policy. He wanted to make politics in California better and a research prize at IGS is a wonderful tribute to a good man."

Darrell Steinberg, President Pro Tem, California State Senate


"Dave Howard was a visionary strategist whose service to California is remembered for his many outstanding accomplishments and his untold friendships across the political spectrum." 

Robert C. Lapsley, President, California Business Roundtable

The David M. Howard Memorial Prize in American Politics recognizes outstanding achievement in graduate research in public policy, political behavior, or public opinion in the U.S. broadly understood.

Each year, IGS selects one UC Berkeley Ph.D. student to receive the award, which includes a cash prize of $2000.

Meet the 2022 Howard Prize Recipient

Christian Hosam headshot

Christian Hosam is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. His research interests include race and politics, with particular interests in Black elite politics, coalition and conflict between communities of color, public health, and the politics of representation. His dissertation focuses on the Congressional Black Caucus, particularly how the activities of the Congressional Black Caucus align with those of the Black community and how that relationship has changed over time His research has been supported by the Social Science Research Council, the UC Berkeley Center for the Study of American Democracy, and the Institute for Governmental Studies. His research has been published or is forthcoming in Sociological Forum and Politics, Groups, and Identities. He is also the co-author of Latino Politics, 3rd. Edition w/ Professor Lisa Garcia Bedolla.

Help support the Howard Prize! Make an online gift in memory of David Howard, or send a check payable to the "UC Berkeley Foundation" to:

Howard Prize Fund
c/o Institute of Governmental Studies
109 Philosophy Hall # 2370 
University of California
Berkeley, CA  94720-2370

All donations to this fund are considered tax deductible charitable contributions under federal law.