political opponent; political rival
Refers to a person or group one opposes in a political context, such as elections, policy debates, or power struggles.
He debated with his long-time political opponent.
He was defeated by his political rival in the election.
He came to regard his former ally as a political opponent.
She intends to defeat her political opponent in the next election.
The prime minister has long clashed with his political opponents.
The lawmaker attacked his political opponent in the speech.