Star candidate

A star candidate (French: candidat vedette) is a high-profile individual who is entering or re-entering elected politics.¹ In Canada and the United Kingdom, the recruitment of a star candidate often includes a guaranteed nomination in a winnable seat.

Star candidates come from several different worlds:

• Notable figures from outside of politics. (Journalists, broadcasters, athletes, celebrities, business executives, etc.)
• Notable figures in public life who do not hold public office. (Leaders of advocacy groups, academics, diplomats, senior military or police officers, union executives, community organizers, etc.)
• Highly visible politicians from other levels of government (such as a mayor of a large city standing to represent said city in national parliament)
• Former politicians who are returning to politics.
• Spouses, children, siblings, or other family of deceased or retired politicians. (Members of a political family)