Incumbency Advantage

INCUMBENTS IN 2010 INCUMBENTS IN 2012

House 87% House 91%

Senate 84% Senate 91%

• Rep. Harris (R– 1st): 67%Rep. Ruppersberger (D– 2nd): 66%

Rep. Sarbanes (D– 3rd): 67% Rep. Edwards (D– 4th): 77%

Rep. Hoyer (D– 5th): 62%Rep. Bartlett (R– 6th): 38%

Rep. Cummings (D– 7th): 76%Rep. Van Hollen (D– 8th): 63%

 *Safe District: One party is heavily favored due to 

gerrymandering.

Average House Member's Annual Budget: $1.4-$1.7 million.

Budget pays for such things as: staff salaries, district office expenses, and frank mail.

Reasons for Incumbency Advantage

Name RecognitionFundraising (Campaign

Contributions)Redistricting (2010 Incumbent

Results)ExperienceConstituent Services

Use of staff for CASEWORK Pork barrel/earmarks Frank mailing (Frank Mail)

Reasons Incumbents Lose

Redistricting efforts

Scandals

Presidential Coattails

Midterm Elections

“House and Senate” Ross K. Baker

What are some of the reasons why it is easier to win reelection in the House?