Incumbent Advantage

Incumbent advantage refers to the benefits that current officeholders have over challengers when seeking re-election. These advantages include greater name recognition, established campaign networks, easier access to funds, and a track record that can be leveraged to appeal to voters. Additionally, incumbents often benefit from experience in campaigning and government, which can help them address issues more effectively. As a result, incumbents generally have a higher likelihood of winning re-election compared to new challengers, making it more challenging for newcomers to unseat them.