Home state advantage, in electoral politics, and particularly in United States presidential elections, is the presumption that a candidate will receive a higher proportion of votes in their home state as compared to other states with similar population profiles.
The definition of a "home state" for purposes of such an advantage can be complicated by the fact that candidates may be born and raised in one state and achieve political success in a different state before seeking national elected office. While many successful candidates have won the presidency without winning their birth state, only three (James K. Polk, Woodrow Wilson and Richard Nixon) have won election despite losing their state of residence. Polk is the only man to win the presidency but lose both states of birth and residence.
The perception that a home state advantage can deliver votes in an important state has also influenced presidential nominees in the selection of a running mate.