Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/278864 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16166
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper explores the labor market returns to working on a victorious political campaign. Using unique administrative data from Brazil, we track the earnings and employment of campaign workers before and after close elections spanning nearly 20 years. We identify sizable returns to working for a winning campaign, especially in areas with a large informal sector and for workers connected to newly elected challengers. The returns are concentrated in the public sector, where connected hires are relatively more qualified. Our results suggest a potential upside to patronage as campaign connections create new pathways to public administration for young, high-ability workers.
Subjects: 
electoral campaigns
labor markets
patronage
political connections
JEL: 
D72
D73
J45
J46
P00
O17
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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