What kind of effect can early wins in early states create for candidates?

Early wins in the initial states of a primary election can create a "snowball effect" for candidates, which refers to how a series of small successes can build momentum and lead to larger victories. This phenomenon is crucial in American politics, particularly during election cycles, as early victories can significantly enhance a candidate's visibility, credibility, and perceived viability.

When a candidate performs well in the early states, it often captures the attention of both the media and the electorate, which can translate into a surge in public support. This increased visibility can lead to more volunteers joining the campaign, heightened enthusiasm among supporters, and a stronger presence in subsequent races. Furthermore, the perception of a candidate as a frontrunner can attract endorsements and bolster the candidate's chances of securing additional funding, creating a reinforcing loop of success.

In contrast, although increased campaign funding can be seen as a secondary outcome of early victories, the primary effect is indeed the way it builds momentum and influence, thereby enhancing the candidate’s overall competitiveness as the primary season progresses. Similarly, while early wins may lead to scrutiny or impact voter turnout, these factors are typically the result of the preceding influence created by those victories, rather than a direct effect of winning early.