The incumbent is the current holder of an office or position. In an election, the incumbent is the person holding or acting in the position that is up for election, regardless of whether they are seeking re-election. Incumbent in Different Fields The term is widely used across various fields, each with its own significance. Here is how the concept applies in different domains: 1. Politics In political scenarios, it is an individual who currently holds an elected office. They often have an advantage due to their established public presence, access to government resources, and policy experience. The correct spelling is incumbent . ‘Incumbant’ is a common misspelling. An incumbent is a person who currently holds a specific position or office. For example, in a presidential election, the current president is referred to as the incumbent if they are seeking another term. Knowing the right spelling helps in clear communication, especially in formal or political contexts. Incorrect spelling can lead to misunderstandings or appear unprofessional in written documents. An incumbent is an official who holds an office. If you want to run for congress, you're going to have to beat the incumbent .