unpledged

Unpledged is a political term describing a delegate or other representative who is not bound by a pledge or commitment to support a particular candidate. In the context of U.S. presidential nominating contests, unpledged delegates may vote for any candidate at the party’s national convention, rather than being required to back a candidate based on the results of a state primary or caucus.

In American politics, the term is most closely associated with the Democratic Party, where unpledged delegates are commonly referred to as unpledged party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs) or, historically, superdelegates. These delegates typically include current and former party leaders, elected officials such as governors or members of Congress, and other prominent party figures chosen by party rules rather than by direct primary results. The Republican Party also uses pledged and unpledged elements in its delegate selection, but unpledged delegates play a much smaller role there compared with the Democratic system.

The function of unpledged delegates is to provide experience, oversight, and a broader perspective at the convention. However, their potential to influence the nomination—especially in crowded fields or situations where pledged delegates do not yield a clear winner—has been a source of controversy. Critics argue that unpledged delegates can undermine the expressed will of voters in primaries and caucuses, while supporters contend they offer stability and independence from short-term campaign dynamics. The practical impact of unpledged delegates varies by party rules and election cycle, reflecting ongoing tensions between delegate structure and elected-voter influence.