The incumbency advantage makes it harder for women to increase their numbers in Congress. True False

The question is asking whether the incumbency advantage, which refers to the observed phenomenon where current officeholders have a higher chance of being re-elected than challengers, makes it more difficult for women to increase their representation in Congress. This is a statement that can be evaluated based on political science research and analysis of election data. The incumbency advantage can indeed make it harder for women to increase their numbers in Congress because it creates a barrier to entry for new candidates, including women. This barrier is due to the established networks, resources, and recognition that incumbents have, which can be difficult for challengers to overcome. Women, who are historically underrepresented in Congress, may face additional challenges in overcoming this barrier due to factors such as gender bias, lack of access to campaign finance, and less media coverage. Therefore, the statement is true as it reflects the general understanding of the incumbency advantage and its potential impact on women's representation in Congress.