Racial Dynamics and the Initial Decision to Run for Office.

This article explains the concept of nascient political ambition and the assessment of potential candidates' initial interest in seeking elective office. The authors' analysis is based on the Citizen Political Ambition Study in the professions that most frequently precede a career in politics. They found that that a general sense of efficacy as a candidate, as well as a politicized upbringing, motivate well-situated potential candidates' inclinations to run for office. Alternatively, status as a member of a group historically excluded from politics depresses the likelihood of considering a candidacy.