primary election

noun

1. primary.

primary election

noun

1. See primary

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary election¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

FEC permits corporations and labor unions to make independent expenditures mentioning candidates in the 60 days before a general election or 30 days before a primary election.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., announced a bid to return to Congress last month after special interests ousted her last year in one of the most expensive primary elections ever.

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Republican strategist Matt Gorman said that path will be determined by who gets through the primary elections both next year and looking ahead to 2028.

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In 1978, at age 37 and in the midst of a primary election campaign, he had a heart attack, the first of several.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Timing is key as many states have filing deadlines for 2026 congressional races or hold their primary election during the spring and summer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times