5.7 Congressional Elections

Incumbency Advantage

Members of Congress seeking reelection win at very high rates due to the incumbency advantage. Incumbents benefit from franking privilege (free mail to constituents), name recognition, fundraising ease, credit-claiming for pork-barrel projects, and casework helping constituents. This advantage discourages strong challengers and contributes to low turnover in Congress.

Redistricting and Gerrymandering

After each census, states redraw congressional districts to reflect population changes, a process called redistricting. When the party controlling a state legislature draws district lines to benefit itself, it's called gerrymandering — using packing (concentrating opposition voters) and cracking (splitting them) to create safe seats and reduce competitive elections.

Campaign Funding and Strategy

Congressional candidates rely heavily on PACs (Political Action Committees) and individual donations to fund expensive campaigns, especially for advertising. Incumbents typically raise more money than challengers. Candidates also use name recognition, local ties, and constituency service to appeal to voters in their districts.

Key terms

Incumbency advantage

The electoral edge held by current officeholders due to name recognition, funding, and resources like franking.

Gerrymandering

Drawing district lines to benefit a particular political party, often through packing and cracking.

Packing

Concentrating opposition voters into a small number of districts to waste their votes.

Cracking

Splitting opposition voters across many districts so they can't form a majority anywhere.

Franking privilege

Free postage members of Congress use to send mail to constituents, boosting reelection chances.

Try an AP-style question

Why do House incumbents win reelection so often?

1. Name recognition and fundraising
2. Challengers are banned
3. Voters can't see ballots
4. They serve life terms