A "popular incumbent" refers to a person currently holding a position in power or authority who is widely supported, liked, or favored by a large number of people. Full definition
The plan has been obvious for some time: Young liberal about town Sean Eldridge will seek New York's nineteenth congressional district seat against popular incumbent Republican Chris Gibson. (nymag.com)
Were «the farm boy from Esopus» to bet the farm, he might put a boodle on former legislator Tracy Bartels in Gardiner, currently waging a down - to - the - wire pick -»em against popular incumbent Republican Jack Hayes. (hudsonvalleyone.com)
The group has flexed its muscles in a few important Republican primary campaigns, ousting relatively popular incumbents. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)