When it comes to politics, we often hear the term “favorite son candidate.” This term refers to a political candidate who has the backing of their home state or region. The candidate is seen as the pride and joy of their locality, hence the term “favorite son.” In this article, we will explore the meaning of the term “favorite son candidate,” its origin, and how it is used in politics. We will also look at some examples of “favorite son candidates” throughout history.
Origin of the Term “Favorite Son Candidate”
The term “favorite son” has been used in American politics since the early 19th century. It originally referred to politicians who were favored by their home states or regions. These politicians would often be selected for high-level political appointments or given special treatment by their party leaders. The term “favorite son candidate” came into use later, during the presidential nominating conventions of the mid-19th century. At these conventions, delegates from each state would vote on who they wanted to nominate for president. Often, delegates would support a candidate from their own state, even if that candidate was not widely popular outside of the state. This type of candidate became known as a “favorite son candidate.”
How “Favorite Son Candidates” are Used in Politics
In modern times, the term “favorite son candidate” is less commonly used in national politics, but it still plays a role in some state and local elections. For example, in some states, the governor or senator might be considered a “favorite son” candidate, with strong support from their home state. This can give them an advantage in fundraising, campaigning, and getting out the vote.
“Favorite son candidates” can also be used strategically by political parties to gain an advantage in national elections. For example, a party might choose to nominate a “favorite son candidate” from a swing state or a region where they are struggling to gain support. By doing so, they hope to win over voters in that state or region and gain an electoral advantage.
Examples of “Favorite Son Candidates”
- William Jennings Bryan – In 1896, the Democratic Party nominated William Jennings Bryan as their presidential candidate. Bryan was known as a “favorite son candidate” from Nebraska, and he had strong support from his home state. Despite not winning the election, Bryan went on to become one of the most iconic political figures in American history.
- Richard Nixon – Richard Nixon was considered a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for governor of California in 1962. He won the Republican nomination but lost the general election. However, his strong showing in California helped him secure the Republican nomination for president in 1968.
- Al Gore – Al Gore was a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for president in 2000. As the sitting vice president, Gore had strong support from his home state of Tennessee. However, he lost the election in a controversial recount in Florida.
- Hillary Clinton – Hillary Clinton was considered a “favorite daughter candidate” when she ran for senator of New York in 2000. Although she had never lived in New York before, she had strong ties to the state through her husband, former President Bill Clinton. She went on to win the election and serve two terms in the Senate.
- George H.W. Bush – George H.W. Bush was a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for president in 1988. Bush had deep roots in Texas and was able to win the state by a wide margin, helping him secure the presidency.
- Barack Obama – Barack Obama was not a “favorite son candidate” in the traditional sense, but he did have strong support from his home state of Illinois when he ran for president in 2008. Obama won Illinois by a wide margin and went on to win the election.
- John F. Kennedy – John F. Kennedy was a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for president in 1960. Despite his youth and relative inexperience, Kennedy had strong support from his home state of Massachusetts and went on to win the presidency.
- Mitt Romney – Mitt Romney was considered a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for senator of Utah in 2018. Although he had been the governor of Massachusetts and had run for president before, Romney had strong roots in Utah and was able to win the election.
- Ted Cruz – Ted Cruz was considered a “favorite son candidate” when he ran for senator of Texas in 2012. Cruz had strong support from Tea Party conservatives and was able to defeat the establishment-backed candidate in the Republican primary.
- Kamala Harris – Kamala Harris was not a “favorite daughter candidate” in the traditional sense, but she did have strong support from her home state of California when she ran for vice president in 2020. Harris was the first woman, the first Blackwoman, and the first South Asian American to be nominated for vice president by a major political party.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “favorite son candidate” is a term used to describe a political candidate who has the backing of their home state or region. This term has been in use since the early 19th century and has played a role in many elections throughout American history. While it is less commonly used in national politics today, it still plays a role in some state and local elections. Understanding the role of “favorite son candidates” in politics can help us better understand how elections are won and lost, and how political parties strategize to gain electoral advantages.