This chapter examines individual-level variables—the resources (financial resources, time, political experience, and support networks [family, kinship networks, and factions])—that enable an eligible citizen to apply for a party ticket or contest an election as an independent; and the motivation to pursue a political career including personal ambition. An analysis of ‘who wants to’ and ‘who can’ enter politics reveals two important findings. First, aspirants who are locally influential, charismatic individuals with access to patronage networks, and the capacity to finance their political careers have greater success in political careers. Second, the primary motivation for an aspirant to enter politics is to gain access to state resources to engage in patronage activity.