Challenger Underdog: An Analysis of the Incumbency Factor in the American Government

Abstract

This research explores the “incumbency factor” in U.S. politics with specific emphasis on House and Senate elections. The paper explains the empirical evidence proving that an incumbency factor does indeed exist looking at data in history of the US political system. The research further explores subjects such as the Rise of the incumbency factor in the post 1950s Congress and the subject of the “sophomore surge” The authors propose several reasons for the incumbency factor and propose Ideas as to why it may not be as great as it seems By what has been termed by other Scholars as the “quality effect”. As well as give ways in which it may be beaten or overcame by a prospective candidate. Faculty Adviser: Maria Albo.