presidential primary

American  

noun

1. a direct primary for the selection of state delegates to a national party convention and the expression of preference for a U.S. presidential nominee.

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Example Sentences

The Rev. Jerome Fordham of the Philadelphia area, who attended the convention, said it is too early to have any favorites in the presidential primary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Manzur’s theory is that, in a state like New Hampshire, famous for the retail politics of its presidential primary, even a relatively small group of volunteers can move the needle.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated shortly after midnight on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after celebrating his victory in the California presidential primary.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

Until 2021, Gabbard actually served as a Democratic member of Congress, and she ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2024

Wiles met Trump during the 2015 Republican presidential primary and became the co-chair of his Florida campaign.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2024