primaries

Cultural  

1. State elections of delegates to the nominating convention that chooses a major party's presidential candidate. In some states, delegates are elected by popular vote; in other states, party caucus es or miniconventions choose delegates.

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Primaries occur at different times during the presidential election year, a situation that drags out the process by which parties nominate candidates but allows wide public exposure to candidates and issues.

Example Sentences

The state already held primaries in March, and the law goes into effect July 1.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

That was May 2016, with the GOP primaries still undecided.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

"Donald Trump is front and center in all of these primaries, whether the candidates like it or not," said Peter Loge, a professor of political communication at George Washington University.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

We bookend this week with a couple of primaries to watch in Texas on Tuesday—beyond the Senate primaries, as you already know to watch those.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

I’d voted for Barack many times before, in primaries and general elections, in state-level and national races, and this trip to the polls felt no different.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama