Running Mate
The person a presidential candidate selects to be the vice-presidential candidate, joining them on the party's ticket.
A running mate is the individual chosen by a presumptive or official presidential nominee to serve as the vice-presidential candidate. Together they form the party's ticket for the general election.
The selection of a running mate is one of the most consequential decisions a presidential candidate makes. Campaigns consider factors including geographic balance (a running mate from a swing state), ideological balance, demographic diversity, governing experience, and the ability to help win over key voter groups.
A running mate becomes the vice president if the ticket wins the general election. The vice president presides over the Senate, can cast tie-breaking votes, and is first in the line of presidential succession.
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The combined presidential and vice-presidential candidates of a political party running together in the general election.
The candidate formally selected by a political party to run for president in the general election.
The national gathering of a political party's delegates that formally nominates the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.