۱- Introduction

۲- Method

۳- Results

۴- Discussion

۵- Conclusions

References

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between personality and political careers. Drawing on a unique survey of municipal candidates from two Canadian provinces (N = ۱۱۹۳) and supplemented with survey data from citizens (N = ۱۶۶۵), we test for personality differences in candidate recruitment and electoral success. Results reveal significant personality differences between candidates and citizens, as well as between winning and losing candidates. Compared to other citizens, candidates are higher in extraversion, openness to experience, and emotional stability. As for the difference between electoral winners and losers, openness to experience is associated with a slightly higher likelihood of losing an election. These differences in personality traits emerge independent of other background characteristics such as age, education, and gender. Ultimately, the psychological dispositions that influence running for office and winning an election are not the same.

Conclusions

We report results from large surveys of municipal election candidates and adult citizens in two Canadian provinces. In line with other studies on personality and political ambition, the findings show that personality traits are reliably associated with running for election, independent of other psychological and social background characteristics. Compared to citizens, local candidates self-reported higher levels of openness to experience, extraversion, and emotional stability. This study advances our understanding of the role of personality in elections by exploring the influence of personality on candidate recruitment and electoral success. We find that candidates receive a slight electoral penalty for their relatively higher open-mindedness. Thus, candidates’ personalities could substantively influence the results, especially in close elections. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that the psychological predispositions that help distinguish candidates from other citizens are not necessarily the same as those that may help candidates get elected.