leadingcandidate
nounUK /ˈliːdɪŋ ˈkændɪdət/
US /ˈliːdɪŋ ˈkændɪdət/
The person most likely to win.
She is the leading candidate for class president.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The person currently ahead in a race or contest.
After the first lap, he became the leading candidate to win the race.
3. The most probable choice for a job or position.
The manager is the leading candidate for the new office.
4. The top person being considered for an award.
That movie is the leading candidate for best picture.