Why does the incumbent candidate have an advantage?

Question

I’ve always read about the incumbent advantage, but I don’t understand why that would exist. Wouldn’t an incumbent have to demonstrate what s/he has accomplished in office versus a newcomer who could make any claim since the burden of proof won’t be on them?

In: Other

Answer 1

name recognition is important because a) people don’t read platforms people run on and b)being in office gives you an advantage of getting your name out there and a higher operating budget.