An incumbent is a politician currently holding a particular office, and incumbency can significantly affect elections. Incumbents often have advantages due to established name recognition, experience in office, and access to campaign resources. They can leverage their positions to influence legislation and provide constituency services, which can foster voter loyalty. However, incumbents may also face challenges, such as public dissatisfaction with their performance or scandals. Overall, incumbency often impacts electoral outcomes, as incumbents generally have a higher likelihood of reelection compared to challengers.