parachute candidate

Definition

A political candidate who runs in a district where they have no roots or residence, literally dropped in by party leadership. The electoral equivalent of a carpetbagger with better PR.

Example Usage

The celebrity parachute candidate struggled to name any local landmarks during the debate, revealing she'd never actually visited the district before filing paperwork.

Origin

British political terminology, referencing military paratroopers

Fun Fact

Hillary Clinton's 2000 New York Senate campaign was criticized as parachuting, but she won anyway and served eight years, proving voters sometimes accept parachute candidates if they're famous enough.

Source: Electoral politics and campaign terminology

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