What does "frontloading" refer to in presidential primaries?

Frontloading refers to the practice of scheduling primary elections earlier in the election year, which allows states to gain increased influence in the presidential nomination process. When states hold their primaries earlier, they can play a more significant role in determining the leading candidates, as the outcomes of these early primaries can shape the momentum of the campaigns. Candidates tend to focus their efforts on those states that vote first, leading to a concentrated attention on early contests, often resulting in a quick narrowing of the field of candidates.

This strategy can lead to certain dynamics within the primaries, as candidates who perform well in early states can secure crucial delegates and gain media attention, which often boosts their overall campaign. Thus, frontloading has strategic implications for how candidates allocate resources and modify their campaign strategies prior to the primaries.