Government and politics concepts · AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History
Incumbency advantage
Incumbency advantage: The electoral advantages enjoyed by officeholders running for reelection, such as name recognition, fundraising and constituent service.
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What it means
Incumbents in Congress are reelected at high rates. Advantages include name recognition, a record of constituent service, easier fundraising, media coverage and, in the House, districts often drawn to favor them.
Incumbency advantage can reduce electoral competition and make it harder for challengers to win.
Example
A House member with a long record of helping constituents and a large campaign fund faces a little-known challenger with few resources.
On the exam
Incumbency advantage appears in Unit 2 and Unit 5 questions about Congress and elections, often with data.