Question

Compared to other congressional campaigns, open-seat races tend to have all of the ________.

A) Same level of competitiveness
B) Higher level of competitiveness
C) Lower level of competitiveness
D) No level of competitiveness

Answer 1

Open-seat races tend to have a higher level of competitiveness because there is no incumbent advantage, resulting in more candidates running and a more level playing field.

Step-by-step explanation:

Compared to other congressional campaigns, open-seat races tend to have a higher level of competitiveness. When an incumbent, or current office holder, is not running for reelection, the seat is considered open. This typically leads to more candidates deciding to run for the seat since there is no incumbent advantage to overcome. Incumbents often have several advantages, such as better name recognition and more access to campaign funding, which contribute to high reelection rates; as evidenced in 2014, where 95 percent of representatives and 82 percent of senators in the U.S. Congress were reelected. Open seats do not have an incumbent defending them, thereby providing a more level playing field and increased competition among candidates.