frontrunner

A frontrunner, sometimes written as front-runner, is a term used to describe a person or participant who is leading in a competition or in public opinion at a given point. The word combines front (leading edge) and runner (one who competes). In political journalism, a frontrunner is the candidate who holds the most support in polls, fundraising, or perceived viability, entering a contest before others have consolidated support. Media coverage often increases for frontrunners, which can amplify advantages such as more donors and events, as well as scrutiny, including heightened expectations and targeted opposition.

Analysts sometimes discuss phenomena such as the frontrunner’s advantage or the bandwagon effect, and there are references to the frontrunner’s curse when leaders stumble later in a race. The concept is widely used in forecasting and commentary about elections, and it can influence how voters perceive and respond to candidates.

In sports and racing, a frontrunner is the competitor who takes the lead early and sets the pace. The term applies to track races, horse racing, cycling, and other events where early leadership is notable, though tactics may change as the competition progresses.

The idea also appears in business and technology to describe market leaders or dominant products during early competition or product launches. While a frontrunner can benefit from visibility and resources, leadership is not guaranteed and can shift as new information or performances emerge.

Variant spellings include front-runner, but frontrunner is common in American English. The term is widely used across media, sports, and political discourse, generally to describe relative standing rather than a guaranteed outcome.