What does the term 'invisible primary' refer to?

The term 'invisible primary' refers to the period when candidates engage in activities aimed at raising funds and building support before the official primaries begin. This phase is crucial for candidates as they seek to establish their viability and attract attention from party leaders, donors, and potential voters. During this time, they may participate in fundraising events, engage in media outreach, and seek endorsements, all of which help to build momentum leading into the actual primary elections.

This phase is often marked by a lack of formal voting, making it 'invisible' because it occurs outside of the public eye. While it may not have the visibility of the primaries themselves, it significantly influences the dynamics of the actual races by determining which candidates can sustain their campaigns and garner support when voters do formally cast their ballots.