primaries

Cultural  

1. State elections of delegates to the nominating convention that chooses a major party's presidential candidate. In some states, delegates are elected by popular vote; in other states, party caucus es or miniconventions choose delegates.

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Primaries occur at different times during the presidential election year, a situation that drags out the process by which parties nominate candidates but allows wide public exposure to candidates and issues.

Example Sentences

Black voters have played a crucial role in deciding the party’s nominee in presidential primaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Often, it comes down to who their friends are,” he said, noting that endorsements from interest groups and other elected officials are usually more valuable in primaries than general elections.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

"Donald Trump is front and center in all of these primaries, whether the candidates like it or not," said Peter Loge, a professor of political communication at George Washington University.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

He was the second Democratic presidential contender to host “Saturday Night Live” that year: George McGovern, who dropped out shortly after the primaries, fronted the April 14 episode.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

Ekman recalled the first time he saw Bill Clinton, during the 1992 Democratic primaries.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell