primaries

Primaries are elections held to select candidates who will represent a political party in a general election.

In the United States, primary elections occur at federal, state, and local levels, with presidential primaries receiving the most attention as parties choose their nominees.

The Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary traditionally kick off the presidential race.

Beyond politics, primaries can refer to primary feathers on a bird's wing, or more generally to things that are first or most important in a series.