running mate

American  

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.

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running mate British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of running mate

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Plainly the protests complicated Kamala Harris’s task of finding a running mate.

From The Wall Street Journal

His running mate for deputy leader, Diana Armstrong, said she was backing him because the party needed "fresh thinking".

From BBC

Unlike presidential elections, statewide contests do not feature running mates; each candidate must be elected on their own merits.

From Los Angeles Times

His running mate Reaves, in the midst of a career year, is “one of the greatest offensive engines in this year’s NBA.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From The Wall Street Journal