Front-runner

In American politics, a front-runner or frontrunner is a leader in an electoral race. While the front-runner in athletic events (the namesake of the political concept) is generally clear, a political front-runner, particularly in the U.S. presidential primary process, is less so; a potential nominee may lead in the polls, have the most name recognition, the most funds raised, or a combination of these. The front-runner is most often declared by the media who are following the race, and is written about in a different style than his or her challengers.

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