I don't understand it from an American perspective. Is this a standard practice in large companies?

I mean, running for office is essentially a full time job right?

It seems totally reasonable to both have a law that protects a citizen’s right to run for office without losing their job, but it also seems reasonable to require some sort of coordination with an employer.

(Knowing nothing about this, it is seems like it should work roughly like an extended jury duty.)

I don't understand why this is getting downvoted, I'm surprised as well