Incumbent

In the United States, an election without an incumbent is referred to as an open seat or open contest. For most political offices, the incumbent often has more name recognition due to their previous work in the office. Incumbents also have easier access to campaign finance, as well as government resources.

About Incumbent in brief

Summary IncumbentThe incumbent is the current holder of an office or position, usually in relation to an election. In the United States, an election without an incumbent is referred to as an open seat or open contest. For most political offices, the incumbent often has more name recognition due to their previous work in the office. Incumbents also have easier access to campaign finance, as well as government resources that can be indirectly used to boost the incumbent’s re-election campaign. A 2017 study in the Journal of Politics found that incumbents have a far larger advantage in on- cycle elections than in off-cycle elections.

The anti-incumbency factor can also be responsible for bringing down incumbents who have been in office for many successive terms despite performance indicators, simply because the voters are convinced by the challengers of a need for change. It is also argued that the holders of extensively powerful offices are subject to immense pressure which leaves them politically impotent and unable to command enough public confidence for re- election.