noun
strong candidate; front runner; major contender
Used for a person or team considered very likely to win an election, competition, or selection process.
彼は大統領選の有力候補だ。
He is a strong candidate in the presidential election.
次の社長の有力候補として名前が挙がっている。
His name is being mentioned as a front runner for the next company president.
Compound of 有力 (influential, strong) and 候補 (candidate).