The phrase "election cycle" refers to the period of time in which elections are held, usually referring to a particular set of elections happening in a specific timeframe, like four years for presidential elections. Full definition
This accounts for a 51 percent increase in small donations compared to the last election cycle in 2009. (reinventalbany.org)
Obviously, it's better politics to think about reforms in terms of election cycles rather than generations. (weeklystandard.com)
Although drugs are only a small fraction of the total cost of healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotech companies have been increasingly criticized, especially during election cycles. (gfmag.com)