William J. Roberts is the managing director for Democracy Policy at American Progress. In this role, he helps to manage American Progress’ Democracy and Legal Progress portfolio. His work focuses on developing reforms that remove structural barriers in order to build power for everyday people like expanding voting rights, ensuring a fairer judiciary, and establishing a more ethical and accountable government.
Prior to joining American Progress, Roberts was the legislative director and chief counsel for Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). As the leader of Rep. Raskin’s legislative team, he developed policy and legislative strategy and oversaw Rep. Raskin’s work on the House Judiciary, Oversight, Administration, and Rules committees. He also worked on a variety of issues related to transportation, education, elections, voting rights, ethics, criminal justice, civil rights, financial services, and appropriations. He was previously the federal legislative director at Every Voice, where he worked to advance small-donor elections systems at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Additionally, he worked as a legislative assistant for former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD).
Roberts is a proud alumnus of Howard University, where he obtained his law degree and bachelor’s degree in political science.
This CAP memo outlines how to address challenges affecting the 2022 elections.
The January 6 committee provided more strong proof that Donald Trump masterminded the wide-ranging conspiracy to hold on to presidential power—and voted to issue a subpoena to force Trump to testify.
Here is a collection of highlights from all eight January 6 committee hearings conducted so far.
Here’s everything you need to know before the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol resumes its hearings September 28.
What happened on January 6, 2021, was not an accident; Donald Trump invited a violent mob to the Capitol in an effort to overturn a valid election.
Providing new details about the January 6 insurrection, Cassidy Hutchinson testified how Donald Trump tried to hang onto his power by any means necessary.
Donald Trump and MAGA extremists came dangerously close to weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice in their desperate attempt to overturn the election.
Donald Trump and MAGA extremists are still attacking elections. If they are not held accountable, the United States cannot preserve democracy.
When Mike Pence made it clear he would not give in to Donald Trump's scheme, Trump turned the mob on him.
Center for American Progress expert William J. Roberts explains the weight of the bipartisan January 6 hearings.
Carnage. Chaos. Crime. January 6 was not a random event; it was a coordinated, deliberate conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.
William Roberts and Michael Sozan outline the evidence presented in the January 6 House Select Committee hearings and argue for stronger protections of voting rights.
