Definition

Noun: - A candidate running for a secondary office in conjunction with a candidate for the top office: Specifically, in a political election, a "running mate" is the person who joins the ticket of the main candidate, typically running for the office of Vice President alongside a presidential candidate. The term implies a partnership in the campaign.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in the context of elections, especially for executive offices like President and Vice President.
• It describes the relationship between the two candidates on a single ticket.
• It can sometimes be used more broadly for other paired elections, but this is less common.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To select/choose a running mate": The act of a principal candidate picking their partner for the ticket.
  • The nominee spent weeks deliberating before choosing a running mate.
• "On the ticket with": A phrase describing the running mate's position.
  • She will be on the ticket with the presidential candidate.

Variants and Related Words

• Ticket (n): The list of candidates nominated by a political party for an election, which includes the running mate.
• Vice-presidential candidate (n): A more specific term for a running mate in a presidential election.
• Campaign partner (n): A more general term for someone who runs a joint campaign.

Synonyms

• Campaign partner
• Vice-presidential nominee (in the context of a presidential election)
• Joint candidate (less common)

Related Phrases

• "Balance the ticket": To choose a running mate who complements the main candidate, often by appealing to different demographics, regions, or party factions.
  • The candidate chose a running mate from the Midwest to balance the ticket.

Noun

1. a nominee for the lesser of two closely related political offices