favorite son

noun

, U.S. Politics.

1. (at a national political convention) a candidate nominated for office by delegates from the candidate's own state.

favorite son

noun

1. (in the US) a politician popular in his home state but little admired beyond it

favorite son

1. A political figure nominated for the presidency by his or her state's delegation to the national nominating convention of a major party. Favorite sons are rarely serious candidates for the party's nomination. By nominating a favorite son, the delegation honors its nominee while delaying its commitment until the more serious contenders for the nomination can be sorted out.

Word History and Origins

Origin of favorite son¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Idioms and Phrases

A person valued by his or her hometown or organization for his or her achievements, usually political, as in Mary hoped they would treat her as a favorite son and nominate her for state senator . This term was originally employed for a candidate nominated for office by his own locality. Today this usage may ignore gender, as in the example. [c. 1780]

Example Sentences

She would, nonetheless, live to know the sorrow of watching her favorite son grow into a violent bully like his father.

From Nautilus

In state after state that once called the president its favorite son, he is finding that his political advocacy is unwelcome.

From The Daily Beast

Crystal is a deliciously evil crime lord, and demands that Julian seek vengeance on the man who killed her favorite son.

From The Daily Beast

Romney is considered a favorite son, having been governor of neighboring Massachusetts.

From The Daily Beast

As the former governor of neighboring Massachusetts, he is treated as something of a favorite son here.

From The Daily Beast

Some critics, meanwhile, are still wary of openly criticizing a favorite son, though now at least willing to say I told you so.

From The Daily Beast

Torella never alluded to my extravagance; he treated me as a favorite son.

From Project Gutenberg

The one cent stamp should represent a cow with the favorite son of the Covington postmaster fast to her tail.

From Project Gutenberg

When Ivan's favorite son died, Silvester told him that it was a punishment from heaven for his disobedience.

From Project Gutenberg

Lester was his son, his favorite son; it was too bad that he had not settled down in the ordinary way.

From Project Gutenberg

Then there is a carriage with a little boy in it—the sultan's favorite son, it is said—the most beautiful child I ever saw.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• applicant
• aspirant
• bidder
• competitor
• contender
• contestant
• nominee
• successor