running mate

noun

1. a candidate for an office linked with another and more important office, as for the vice-presidency.
2. a horse entered in a race in which another, more important, horse from the same stable, or belonging to the same owner, is run.
3. a close companion.

running mate

noun

1. a candidate for the subordinate of two linked positions, esp a candidate for the vice-presidency
2. a horse that pairs another in a team

Word History and Origins

Origin of running mate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Noem, who was at one point up for consideration to be Trump’s running mate, will head the agency responsible for everything from deportations to natural disaster relief efforts.

From Salon

He was considered as Trump’s running mate, a post that eventually went to Vice President-elect JD Vance.

From Los Angeles Times

Jill Stein, who chose a Muslim American running mate, captured 18 percent.

From Slate

He has since become a stalwart of Republican politics, and was once floated as a potential running mate to 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney and to Trump in 2024.

From BBC

Then in 2020, Biden finally won the Democratic nomination but, in my view, fumbled his choice for running mate.

From Los Angeles Times