The overarching purpose of this project is to better understand the conditions under which moderate legislators are able to both exert legislative influence and survive electoral challenges in an increasingly polarized era. The project explores this topic from multiple angles, drawing on media coverage of congressional moderates, analysis of legislative behavior, interviews, and analysis of public opinion data. By taking a comprehensive approach to understanding the legislative and electoral challenges moderate legislators face, this project aims to further our understanding of the barriers and opportunities for bipartisan agreements in Congress.