Definition of Incumbent

What does the term incumbent mean? What is meant by the term incumbent?

The dictionary defines the term "incumbent" as being "the holder of an office" or "holding an indicated position".

In the 2012 US Presidential election, for instance, Barack Obama will be the incumbent, as he already holds the White House.

Example: John Smith is the current mayor of Smithville, USA.

If there is a mayoral election in Smithville and Smith decides that he wants to run again, then he will be the incumbent, as he is the person who currently holds the title of mayor.

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A Look Back at Ronald Reagan's Dominant Victory in the 1980 Republican Presidential Primaries

When Ronald Reagan Nearly Defeated Incumbent Gerald Ford For the Republican Nomination in 1976

A Look at the Two Biggest Blown Primary Leads of the Last 50 Years

A Look Back at Richard Nixon's Massive Victory Over George McGovern in 1972

When Do People Usually Announce That They Are Running For President?