The study tested how voters react to information about a legislator's work in their district and voting record in a time of strong political divisions. People are more satisfied with a legislator who focuses on their district, but this doesn't always make them more likely to vote for them. Independents are most influenced by this district-focused work. Being bipartisan doesn't necessarily help a legislator get more personal votes. When elections become more nationalized, challengers can make it harder for incumbents to win over independent voters with district-focused appeals.