front-runner
UK: ˈfrʌntˌrʌnə | US: ˈfrʌntˌrʌnər
n. a competitor or candidate who is currently leading in a race, election, or competition.
n. a person or thing considered most likely to succeed in a given situation.
The term "front-runner" originated in horse racing (early 20th century), combining "front" (from Old English fronte, meaning "foremost part") and "runner" (from Old English rinnan, "to flow/advance"). The compound reflects the literal image of a competitor leading the race. By the 1960s, it expanded metaphorically to politics and other competitive fields, retaining its core logic of visible dominance.
The incumbent mayor is the front-runner in the upcoming election.
Early polls showed her as the front-runner for the nomination.
In the tech industry, innovation often determines the front-runner.
The underdog surprised everyone by overtaking the front-runner.
As the front-runner, his campaign faced intense scrutiny.