Reelection is when someone who already holds an elected position runs for that same office again and wins. When a president, mayor, or senator completes their term and the voters choose them again, that's reelection.

The word tells you something important: this person has done the job before. A mayor seeking reelection is asking voters, “Did I do well enough that you want me to keep going?” Voters get to judge based on actual performance, not just promises. Sometimes an incumbent (the person currently in office) wins reelection easily because people like the job they've done. Other times, voters decide they want someone new and elect a challenger instead.

Most elected positions in America have regular election cycles. A president can serve two four-year terms, so a president who wins reelection serves eight years total. Many governors and mayors face reelection every four years, while senators run every six years. Members of the House of Representatives face reelection every two years, which means they're almost constantly campaigning.

Reelection specifically applies to someone trying to keep a job they already have, not just any repeat election.