nonincumbent
Not currently serving
A nonincumbent is a political candidate who does not currently hold the office being sought.
The term distinguishes challengers and newcomers from sitting officeholders: Nonincumbent candidates often struggle to match the fundraising of their opponents.
The adjective describes anything relating to such candidates: nonincumbent campaigns, nonincumbent advantage in "change" elections.
One seeking advancement
- candidatePerson seeking selection
- opponentOne who contends against
- rivalOne who competes against
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
nominee · competitor · campaigner · hopeful · contender · dark horse · insurgent · upstart
Inexperienced newcomer
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
- neophyteInexperienced beginner
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
fledgling · tyro · first-timer · fresh face · outsider · unknown · untested · inexperienced
Driver of organizational transformation
- reformerAgent of institutional improvement
- disruptorOne who overturns norms
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- anti-establishmentOpposing dominant institutions
grassroots · populist · progressive · maverick · insurgent · protest vote · fresh start · new direction
aspirant
One seeking advancement
underdog · nominee · competitor · campaigner · hopeful · contender · dark horse · insurgent · upstart · long shot
rookie
Inexperienced newcomer
greenhorn · fledgling · tyro · first-timer · fresh face · outsider · unknown · untested · inexperienced · debutant
change agent
Driver of organizational transformation
- reformerAgent of institutional improvement
- disruptorOne who overturns norms
- outsiderOne excluded from group
anti-establishment · grassroots · populist · progressive · maverick · insurgent · protest vote · fresh start · new direction · shake-up
nonincumbentincumbent
Current position holder
officeholder · in-office · sitting member · seated · insider