David R. Mayhew is a prominent American political scientist known for his work on the United States Congress. He is a professor at Yale University and has contributed significantly to the understanding of legislative behavior and political institutions. His research often focuses on the dynamics of political parties and the electoral process. Mayhew is best known for his influential book, Congress: The Electoral Connection, published in 1974. In this work, he argues that members of Congress are primarily motivated by the desire to be re-elected, shaping their actions and decisions. His insights have had a lasting impact on the study of American politics.