This title discusses why working-class Americans almost never become politicians, what that means for democracy, and what reformers can do about it. Millionaires make up only three percent of the public but control all three branches of the federal government. This book provides a compelling and comprehensive account of why Americans are governed by the rich, how it came about, what stops lower-income and working-class Americans from becoming politicians, why so few working-class people hold office, and what reformers can do about it. Using extensive data on candidates, politicians, party leaders, and voters, it debunks popular misconceptions, identifies factors that keep lower-class Americans out of politics, and evaluates reform proposals. Who runs for office goes to the heart of representative democracy. This volume shows that the best hope for combating the oversized political influence of the rich might simply be to help more working-class Americans become politicians.