Black and White Differences in Nascent Political Ambition: Race and the Decision Dynamics of the Initial Run for Elective Office.

The article offers an in-depth analysis of differences in how African Americans and Whites conceive of the initial decision to run for office in the U.S. It addresses broad questions of political representation and democratic legitimacy, as well as practical questions associated with candidate emergence. It is noted that the vast majority of elected bodies in the U.S. continue to be dominated by white men and that members of historically excluded populations may feel like the political system is not open to them.