Definition
The candidate leading in polls, fundraising, or both, thereby earning the privilege of being everyone else's favorite target. It's being king of the hill while everyone else practices their shoving technique.
Example Usage
As the frontrunner, she faced increasingly aggressive attacks during debates from candidates desperate to close the polling gap.
Origin
From horse racing terminology, referring to the horse leading the pack
Fun Fact
Being the early frontrunner is often a curse—most presidential candidates leading polls a year before primaries don't win the nomination.
Source: Campaign and polling terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “frontrunner” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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