1. not currently holding an elected office or position
Usage: political context

1. a person who does not currently hold an elected office, especially one running for that office
Usage: political context

Examples

• The nonincumbent candidate promised significant policy changes.
• Nonincumbent challengers often face fundraising disadvantages.
• The debate featured three nonincumbent hopefuls for the senate seat.
• As a nonincumbent, she had to work harder to gain name recognition.
• The nonincumbent won by a narrow margin in the primary election.
• Voters sometimes prefer nonincumbent candidates for fresh perspectives.