Permeable boundaries: The interplay between major party primary and non-major party candidacies

Abstract

Studies of candidate entry in the USA have either focused on the major parties and their primaries, non-major parties, or both but separately. We extend the research on American party politics by analyzing how potential candidates weigh different routes to the general election: major party primaries versus non-major party paths. We develop a theoretical model of candidate entry that recognizes the option to run outside of major party primaries and argue that increased primary competition can drive potential candidates to seek an alternative route to the general election. A district-level analysis of candidate entry (i.e., number of candidates) in U.S. House elections (2008–2018) supports our hypotheses. By looking beyond traditional pathways to office, we uncover new evidence on the permeability of major parties and show how non-major party actors and institutions play an integral role in the two-party system.