How do candidates seek to gain favor during the invisible primary phase?

During the invisible primary phase, candidates primarily seek to gain favor by securing endorsements and fundraising. This phase occurs before the official voting begins, and its critical focus is on building support and resources that can propel a candidate's campaign.

Endorsements from influential figures, organizations, or political elites can provide candidates with credibility and increase their visibility within the party and among potential voters. These endorsements can signal a candidate's viability and align them with established political power, helping to attract both media attention and voter support.

Fundraising is equally vital during this phase as it allows candidates to finance their campaigns, pay for advertisements, organize events, and cover operational costs. A strong fundraising showing often indicates a candidate's strength and viability, making them more attractive to potential supporters and benefiting them as they approach the primaries.

Overall, this combination of endorsements and financial backing forms a foundation for a candidate's campaign, influencing perceptions and setting the stage for their success in the primary elections.