running mate

noun

1. a candidate for an office linked with another and more important office, as for the vice-presidency.

2. a horse entered in a race in which another, more important, horse from the same stable, or belonging to the same owner, is run.

3. a close companion.

running mate

noun

1. a candidate for the subordinate of two linked positions, esp a candidate for the vice-presidency

2. a horse that pairs another in a team

Word History and Origins

Origin of running mate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

After heading a commission to select candidates to be George W. Bush’s running mate, Cheney selected himself, which commentators noted lent gravitas to the Texas governor, who lacked experience on the national and international levels.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And, even though George W Bush said that he would retain his running mate for 2004, there was pressure in Republican circles to dump him.

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Even though Connolly previously served as an Irish Labour councillor, she left the party after they did not add her as a running mate alongside Higgins on the Galway ticket.

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So, the question while James recovers from sciatica injury on his right side, is who will fill his void and help Doncic navigate the stretch his running mate is out.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Paz's choice of running mate is thought to have helped him attract working-class voters and Bolivian's frustrated with government corruption.

Read more on BBC