(n.) One who offers himself, or is put forward by others, as a suitable person or an aspirant or contestant for an office, privilege, or honor; as, a candidate for the office of governor; a candidate for holy orders; a candidate for scholastic honors.

addict agent also-ran applicant appointee aspirant aspirer assignee baby kisser bidder campaigner claimant collector coveter dark horse defeated candidate deputy desirer devotee dud entrant fancier favorite son freak hankerer has-been hopeful lame duck licensee lover nominee office seeker petitioner political hopeful possibility postulant presidential timber prospect runner running mate seeker selectee solicitant solicitor stalking-horse stumper suitor suppliant supplicant votary wanter whistle-stopper wisher yearner