Ulric B. and Evelyn L. Bray Social Sciences Seminar

Abstract: Although there is a rich literature on the effect of campaign spending by candidates on election outcomes, the nature of party resource allocation has not been empirically investigated in depth. We wish to contribute to the literature by developing an empirical framework that incorporates party leaders' strategic problem of allocating funds to candidates. Our ultimate goal is to assess the impact of party resource allocation on elections while incorporating strategic incentives faced by candidates and parties. We present some preliminary results from our proof-of-concept model that is estimated by using the 2018 US House Election data. The results suggest that party elites invest in certain districts for reasons beyond their mere competitiveness.

Written with Danny Ebanks.

For more information, or if you are interested in attending this online seminar, please contact Letty Diaz by phone at 626-395-1255 or by email at [email protected].