Sacrificial Lambs or Strategic Politicians? Political Amateurs in U.S. House Elections

Abstract

Why do hundreds of amateurs challenge entrenched U.S. House incumbents every two years? Previous work offers a range of explanations, from naivetd to love of politics. The most systematic study of this question concluded that amateurs challenge incumbents because it maximizes their chances of being elected to the House. This article argues that distinctions must be drawn between ambitious and amateurs because no single theory can explain amateurs' motivations. Ambitious amateurs respond to favorable district and national conditions in their decision to run, like their experienced counterparts, while experience-seeking amateurs do not.

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