Cheney To Become College Professor In Virginia; No Word On Possible 2024 Presidential Run

Former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney has accepted a job at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics where she will serve as a professor.

LW
Leo Wolfson

March 02, 20233 min read

Cheney 12 16 22

At least one aspect of former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney’s post-Congress life has become clear.

The University of Virginia on Wednesday announced that Cheney will serve as a Professor of Practice with its Center for Politics in a guest lecturer position.

“Preserving our constitutional republic is the most important work of our time, and our nation’s young people will play a crucial role in this effort,” Cheney said in a statement released by the university.

“I look forward to working with students and colleagues at the Center to advance the important work they and others at the University of Virginia are doing to improve the health of democracy here and around the world,” she said.

Cheney lost support with many Wyoming Republicans after she started speaking out against Trump for challenging the results of his 2020 election loss. Cheney lost her 2022 reelection bid to U.S. Rep. Hageman by 38% of the vote. Hageman was endorsed by Trump in her campaign.

“There are many threats facing our system of government and I hope my work with the Center for Politics and the broader community at the University of Virginia will contribute to finding lasting solutions that not only preserve but strengthen our democracy,” Cheney said.

Cheney will start working at the university immediately and through the conclusion of the fall 2023 semester.

Presidential Run

This new obligation may be a strike against the possibility that Cheney will run for president 2024. Cheney fueled speculation that she may run for president based on her refusal to rule out the possibility of running in multiple interviews last year.

In recent history, most candidates who have made a run for president have announced their candidacy about a year to six months prior to the first Republican primary, which will take place in early 2024. The obligations of this teaching position could make it difficult for her to simultaneously campaign for president.

The position will however offer a new platform to publicly express her beliefs.

UVA said Cheney will participate in university-wide lectures, serve as a guest lecturer in student seminars, contribute to university research and participate in other university and community events.

Cheney already participated in a Center for Politics national forum on the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

“Our students will have an incredible opportunity to learn from Liz Cheney, who has fiercely defended democracy as part of a distinguished career,” UVA President Jim Ryan said. “I’m delighted that she has chosen the University of Virginia and the Center for Politics as a next step, and I very much look forward to working with her.”

Share this article

Authors

LW

Leo Wolfson

Politics and Government Reporter