runoff primary

American  

noun

1. (especially in the southern U.S.) a second primary between the two leading candidates of the first primary to provide nomination by majority rather than by plurality.

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Etymology

Origin of runoff primary

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

In that case, the top two candidates in a party’s primary advance to the runoff primary in April.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Alabama’s top election official on Sunday said he had asked the state attorney general whether the state government has the legal authority to postpone its March 31 runoff primary election between Republican U.S.

From Reuters • Mar. 16, 2020

State Rep. Greg Murphy is facing pediatrician Joan Perry in today’s runoff primary.

From MSNBC • Jul. 9, 2019

If no candidate gets a majority of the votes cast in the primary, a runoff primary election for the top two vote getters is set for Aug. 23.

From Washington Times • Jun. 28, 2016

Mr. Bennett was eliminated and was not eligible to participate in the subsequent runoff primary, which Mr. Lee won.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2014