front-runner

Front-runner is a term to describe the leader in a race, whether political or athletic. The term arose from the close symbolism between political campaigns and athletic running events. The term is used in the U.S. Presidential primary process to label the potential nominee with the lead in the polls, the most name recognition, or most funds raised (or a combination of these).
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Noun
1. a competitor thought likely to win
(synonym) favorite, favourite
(hypernym) rival, challenger, competitor, competition, contender

front-runner
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