Glossary

This glossary defines common terms used throughout WhoShouldIVoteFor2028.com. These definitions are informational and nonpartisan.

Ballot Access

The legal requirements a candidate must meet to appear on the ballot in each state. These vary widely and are significantly more difficult for independent or third-party candidates than for major-party nominees.

Base

A candidate’s most reliable group of supporters, often defined by ideology, geography, demographics, or party faction.

Dark Horse

A potential candidate who is not widely expected to win but could become competitive if political conditions change.

Delegate

An individual selected to represent voters at a party’s national convention. Delegates formally vote to nominate a presidential candidate.

Electability

A subjective assessment of how likely a candidate is to win a general election, often based on polling, past results, demographics, and political climate.

Exploratory Committee

A preliminary campaign structure that allows a potential candidate to raise money and assess viability without formally declaring a run for office.

Front-Runner

A candidate who enters a race with strong name recognition, fundraising ability, polling strength, or institutional support.

General Election

The final election held in November in which voters choose among party nominees and qualified independent candidates.

Heavyweight

A term used on this site to describe a figure widely viewed as a credible national contender due to experience, visibility, and political infrastructure.

Independent

A candidate not formally affiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties. Independents may still align ideologically with one side.

Institutional Support

Backing from party leaders, donors, major organizations, or influential political networks.

Intra-Party Contest

Competition among members of the same political party for its nomination.

Media Narrative

The dominant storyline surrounding a candidate as shaped by news coverage, commentary, and public discourse.

Midterm Elections

Congressional and state elections held halfway through a presidential term. Midterms often reshape political momentum and candidate viability.

Non-Affiliated

A candidate or figure not formally tied to any political party.

Primary Election

State-by-state elections in which voters select a party’s nominee for president.

Polling

Survey data measuring public opinion. Early polling is often volatile and not predictive of final outcomes.

Serious Contender

A figure with a plausible path to a party’s nomination but not necessarily the dominant favorite.

Spoiler

A candidate unlikely to win who may affect the outcome by drawing votes from another candidate.

Super Tuesday

A major primary election day when many states vote simultaneously, often shaping the remainder of the race.

Swing State

A state where neither major party has a consistent advantage and which is often decisive in general elections.

Tier

A grouping used on this site to organize candidates by perceived prominence and plausibility, not endorsement or likelihood of success.

Undeclared Candidate

A public figure frequently discussed as a potential candidate who has not formally announced or taken official steps toward running.

Voter Sentiment

The overall mood or attitude of the electorate at a given time, often influenced by economic conditions, global events, and governance outcomes.

Wildcard

A figure whose candidacy would be unexpected but not implausible given changing political dynamics.