A "candidate" is a person who applies for a position, role, or opportunity, such as a job, election, or academic program. Candidates are often evaluated based on their qualifications, skills, and experiences to determine their suitability for the role they seek. In the context of elections, a candidate is someone who runs for a political office, like a mayor or senator. They typically campaign to gain support from voters and may belong to a political party or run as an independent. The selection process for candidates can vary depending on the specific requirements of the position they are pursuing.