How are presidential candidates officially chosen?

The formal selection of a presidential candidate happens at the national party convention, where delegates gathered from all 50 states and U.S. territories cast votes for the nomination. The candidate who wins a majority of delegate votes becomes the party's official nominee.

In practice, the nominee is usually determined well before the convention because one candidate wins enough primary delegates to make the convention vote a formality - a process sometimes called 'winning the invisible primary' of delegates. The convention then serves primarily as a celebration and unity event.

The path to the nomination runs through the primary process. Starting in early 2028, state by state, voters will select delegates pledged to their preferred candidates. As primaries proceed, candidates who trail in delegates often drop out, consolidating support behind the leader.

At the convention, formal nominating speeches are made, delegates cast their votes (usually by state in roll-call fashion), and once a candidate reaches the majority threshold, the nomination is secured. The nominee then selects a running mate, who is formally confirmed by the delegates.