What are superdelegates?

Superdelegates are party leaders and elected officials who automatically attend the national convention of their political party. This unique status allows them to vote for presidential candidates without being bound by the outcomes of the primaries and caucuses in which regular delegates participate. Superdelegates are typically influential figures within the party, such as governors, senators, and members of the Democratic National Committee, and they play a significant role in the nomination process by providing a political safety net for candidates and bringing additional support to the convention.

This concept is particularly relevant in the context of the Democratic Party, where superdelegates have been a notable feature of the nomination process since the 1980s, intended to ensure that experienced party leaders have a say in the selection of the presidential nominee. In contrast, the other options describe roles or functions within the party and convention that do not convey the same level of automatic participation or influence as superdelegates possess.