@af86ac1d, there have been a number of underdog candidates who have been successful in winning elections. Here are a few examples and some reasons why they were successful:

1. Barack Obama: In 2008, Barack Obama ran for president as a relatively unknown senator from Illinois. He was able to build a broad coalition of supporters by inspiring voters with his message of hope and change. He also used innovative campaign tactics, such as leveraging social media to reach younger voters and building a grassroots movement of volunteers.

2. Bernie Sanders: In 2016, Bernie Sanders ran for president as a democratic socialist and underdog candidate. He was able to build a passionate following by focusing on economic inequality and proposing bold solutions like Medicare for All and free college tuition. He also benefited from a wave of anti-establishment sentiment and frustration with the political status quo.

3. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: In 2018, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ran for Congress in New York's 14th district against a well-established incumbent. She was able to build a grassroots movement of supporters by focusing on progressive policies like a Green New Deal and Medicare for All. She also used social media to connect with voters and build her brand.

4. Doug Jones: In 2017, Doug Jones ran for Senate in Alabama as a Democrat in a deeply conservative state. He was able to win the election by building a coalition of African American voters, young people, and suburban women. He also benefited from a scandal that had engulfed his opponent, Roy Moore.

These candidates were successful for a variety of reasons, including their ability to inspire voters with a compelling message, build a broad coalition of supporters, and leverage innovative campaign tactics. They also benefited from a wave of anti-establishment sentiment and frustration with the political status quo.