Robert Pritchard’s incumbency may have given him an advantage in the state representative race against Democratic candidate Bob Brown.

Since Pritchard was running for retention in the race, many believe that worked in his favor.

“He has a history of politics in the DeKalb area,” said Curtis Wood, associate professor of public administration.

With a history of politics in an area, the financial backing may have been better for Pritchard, and that is always an advantage, Wood said.

When long-time State Rep. David Wirsing died in November 2003, the Representative Committee of the Republican Party selected Pritchard as Wirsing’s successor.

“They both spent a stint in local government and understand the way local government affects decisions made by state and federal government,” said DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow.

Since Pritchard is currently the state representative, his name was also out there for voters who may have been undecided.

In an incumbency, a network has built up around the candidate and that can be beneficial, said MPA Coordinator Vicki Clarke.