As in many other aspects of life, politics is not a one-shot-game. Most of the time it requires candidates running and losing several times before getting elected. By running and losing candidates can learn from their mistakes and be better known among voters in future elections. However, not all individuals decide to continue with their political careers after an electoral setback. In this dissertation I analyze gender differences in candidate persistence, defined as the probability of running for office in following elections. My main hypothesis is that the effect of losing an election on political ambition is stronger for women than for men. In particular, I argue that women are less likely than men to continue running for office after losing an election. I also argue that this gender gap may have consequences on representation because candidates with prior experience in elections – candidate experience – are more likely to be elected.