The film is set at a high school in Omaha, Nebraska, and follows the contentious race for student body president between overachieving Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) and popular teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick).
Tracy Flick is an ambitious and driven student who is determined to become student body president. She is highly involved in school activities and has a reputation for being a perfectionist. However, she is also seen as overly ambitious and ruthless by many of her peers and teachers.
Jim McAllister is a well-liked civics teacher who becomes determined to stop Tracy from winning the election after she has an affair with his best friend and fellow teacher, Dave Novotny. Jim convinces popular jock Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against Tracy, hoping to derail her campaign.
As the election campaign unfolds, tensions rise between Tracy, Paul, and Jim. Tracy uses every resource at her disposal to win, including bribery, manipulation, and sabotage. Paul struggles to assert himself as a candidate, while Jim becomes increasingly desperate to defeat Tracy.
In a shocking turn of events, Paul’s sister Tammy (Jessica Campbell), who initially ran as a joke candidate to get back at her ex-girlfriend, ends up winning the election after a series of unexpected events. Tracy’s campaign collapses when it is revealed that she had an affair with Dave, leading to her suspension from school.
In the aftermath of the election, Jim’s life spirals out of control. He loses his job and his marriage falls apart after his wife learns of his affair with another teacher. Tracy’s dreams of attending an Ivy League college are shattered, and she is forced to attend a community college instead.
The film concludes with Jim reflecting on the events of the election and the consequences of his actions. Despite his efforts to control the outcome, he realizes that he ultimately had little influence over the course of events. Tracy, meanwhile, remains determined to succeed, even in the face of adversity.
“Election” is a darkly humorous and incisive look at the politics of high school and the lengths people will go to in order to win. With its sharp wit, memorable characters, and biting social commentary, the film remains a cult classic and a favorite among fans of dark comedy.