A challenger is a candidate running for election against the incumbent—the person currently holding the position. Challengers typically face disadvantages including lower name recognition, less established donor networks, and competing against incumbents' records of constituent service. However, challengers can also benefit from voter desire for change or dissatisfaction with incumbents. The challenger/incumbent dynamic is fundamental to democratic competition—without challengers willing to run, elections would be uncontested. Strong challenger candidates emerge when voters are ready for change, issues energize new candidates, or redistricting creates open seats without incumbents.